Trying to get your crush to notice you and become your boyfriend or girlfriend? Maybe it’s time for a nice little game of playing hard to get. Don’t roll your eyes: it’s actually been proven that playing hard to get works. That’s because everyone enjoys a little bit of a chase – when things come to quickly to us, it’s boring. But when we have to work to get something we want, it’s more exciting, especially when it comes to romantic relationships.

Before you commit to this idea, keep in mind that playing hard to get is a totally different ball game than plain old flirting. Playing hard to get is all about staying mysterious and playing mind games. While I would normally tell you girls to be honest about your feelings and to go after what you want, this advice is going to be a little different. It might sound a little out-dated and kind of annoying. And to be honest, playing hard to  get can be really difficult – acting like you don’t care when you actually do is tough! But, hey, a lot of people swear by it, so you might as well give it a try, right? Read on for 10 tips on how to play hard to get:

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Don't Focus On Meeting Someone

In other words, don't be desperate to be in a relationship. First of all, that's only going to make you feel kind of miserable and second of all, people can sense desperation and... it's not the most attractive quality out there. There's no reason to focus on when you're going to meet your next boyfriend. When it's supposed to happen, it will happen. Until then, just focus on you.

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Be Confident

I feel like I write this at least one a day, but dudes dig confidence. Actually, people in general dig confidence. And being confident and strong is a huge part of playing hard to get. You want to make this person like you and one way to do that is by being confident that you're awesome enough to be chased after. You know what I mean?

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Be Vague When Talking To Him

Don't go into full detail whenever you're chatting with your crush - leaving out some stuff will make you seem a little bit more mysterious, which is another huge part of the hard to get game. When you don't give everything away, it will make him want to - and need to - try harder to get to know you better. For example, if he says, "How was your weekend?" be like, "It was fun, I hung out with some friends." Don't be like, "It was awesome, I woke up late, went to the mall, had lunch with my mom..." Get it? He'll be left wondering who exactly "some friends" were and what you guys did.

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Wait A While Before Answering

If he texts you, don't send your answer literally five seconds afterwards. Even if you really were sitting around waiting for your phone to go off, you want it to seem like you're too busy doing other stuff to answer. There's no need to wait, like, three hours before giving a response, but make him sweat it out for about 30 minutes. He'll start wondering what you're doing and why you're not answering and that's sort of intriguing.

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Say No Sometimes

I hate, hate, hate the "three day rule," but I do agree that sometimes you need to say no when a guy asks you out. If you two have hung out twice already in one week and he asks what you're doing Saturday, be like, "Oh, I can't, I already have plans." Saying no makes him realize that he's not the center of your world and it makes him wait a little, which will just up the excitement of getting together. Plus, it's a benefit for you too: it lets you have a life of your own!

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Don't Go Too Far Too Fast

There's nothing wrong with having hooking up on a first date and I'm definitely not trying to shame anyone who's done it. But if you're looking to play hard to get, then your strategy is that you want to leave him wanting more. So, instead of going all the way right away, tease him a little bit. Draw things out and take things slow. Not only will this drive him crazy (in a good way), but it will also help you guys get to know each other better before you do the deed.

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Don't Tell Him How You Feel

What I really mean here is be coy. Let this guy know you're into him subtly, but don't say it outright right away. Make him wonder how you really feel. I almost always encourage you guys to be honest and so this is kind of hard for me to write. But a lot of guys out there like a chase and this will be part of giving them one.

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Flirt With Others A Little Bit

Be careful with this one. You don't want to go overboard on the flirting - so, probably not a good idea to be cuddling on the couch with a random guy right in front of your crush. Instead, flirt more subtly when he's around or you know he's watching. Giggle at what someone else says or touch their arm when talking. Tiny gestures like these are something he may notice and it might end up making him a little jealous.

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Don't Be Too Cold

This is pretty important. There's a fine line between playing hard to get and just being really cold and stand-offish. You want this guy to chase you, but you don't want to make him think you're not interested at all. Don't ignore him completely, give him only one word answers, make out with other guys right in front of him or refuse every date. Just be wary of pushing him away too far. Ugh, this is so complicated.

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Do Your Own Thing

Remember how I said before that you shouldn't seem too desperate? This is similar - you should live your own life! Show him that you don't need him to be happy. Hang with your friends, pursue your interests even if they're not his interests and be confident about it. He'll like that you're independent and not clingy.

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Do you ever play hard to get? Do you think it works? Are you going to try any of these tips? Tell me in the comments! 

Are you good at playing hard to get? Quiz it!

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