The Games We Play

Lately, I have been thinking about the misery that is dating (based on the experience of friends, seeing as I have almost no experience). The dating game has to be one of the most ridiculous things ever invented. And I have to wonder, has it always been, or is it a creation of more recent years? I mean, seriously! The rules don't even make sense. And who made them up anyway?! "Don't be too available." "Don't call back for 3 days." "Wait to respond to texts and emails so it looks like your busy and actually have a life." These are some of the rules I know about. I'm sure there are a ton of other rules I am completely oblivious to. What I don't understand is why it continues. Everyone complains about it. Guys complain that they don't understand the games girls play and girls say the same about guys. No one really seems to enjoy it - or maybe that is just part of the game too... Are we supposed to pretend we don't like the game or don't follow the rules, while secretly loving all the drama it causes? Well, I don't. I don't like the drama, suspense, etc. Thus, I refuse to play the game. If I hear the phone ring, I pick it up (unless it is a telemarketer). If I want to talk to you, I will call (regardless of how much time has passed). And when I see a text come in, I try to respond immediately (and that goes for all my friends - not just guys). Maybe that means I will spend the remainder of my nights home alone with my crossword puzzles while my roommate goes out and meets new guys. And maybe that's ok. Afterall, what little dating experience I do have is filled with far more regrets than happy memories. And there is always the possibility that there is a man out there who hates the game as much as I do. So, here's to a solitary, drama-free life. ;-P