The Rules is a 1995 book advising women to play old-fashioned hard-to-get. One web summary:
Be a "creature unlike any other."
Don't talk to a man first (and don't ask him to dance).
Don't meet him halfway or go dutch with him on a date.
Don't call him and rarely return his phone calls.
Always end phone calls first.
Don't accept a Saturday night date after Wednesday.
Always end the date first.
Stop dating him if he doesn't buy you a romantic gift for your birthday or Valentines day.
Don't see him more than once or twice a week.
No more than casual kissing on the first date.
Don't tell him what to do.
Don't expect a man to change or try to change him.
Don't open up too fast.
Don't date a married man.
Be easy to live with.
Don't stare at men or talk too much.
Don't live with a man (or leave your things in his apartment).
Even if you're engaged or married, you still need the rules.
Do the Rules even when your friends or parents think you're nuts!
Be Smart and other rules for dating in high school.
Take Care of yourself and other Rules for dating in college.
Next! And other Rules for dealing with Rejection.
Don't discuss the Rules with your therapist.
Don't break the Rules.
Do the Rules and you'll live happily ever after.
Love only those who love you.
Amazon Contents
I think some of this is wrong; that women project their own preferences onto men. Specifically, women are attracted to alpha men with options, so they in turn think men will be attracted to unavailable women.
On the other hand, some of these rules help screen out players. For example, "Don't rush into sex" or "Don't date a married man".
Other stuff makes a lot of sense, "Don't tell him what to do" or "Be easy to live with". The authors advise wearing feminine clothes and make-up, and being sexually available in relationships.
Be a "creature unlike any other."
Don't talk to a man first (and don't ask him to dance).
Don't meet him halfway or go dutch with him on a date.
Don't call him and rarely return his phone calls.
Always end phone calls first.
Don't accept a Saturday night date after Wednesday.
Always end the date first.
Stop dating him if he doesn't buy you a romantic gift for your birthday or Valentines day.
Don't see him more than once or twice a week.
No more than casual kissing on the first date.
Don't tell him what to do.
Don't expect a man to change or try to change him.
Don't open up too fast.
Don't date a married man.
Be easy to live with.
Don't stare at men or talk too much.
Don't live with a man (or leave your things in his apartment).
Even if you're engaged or married, you still need the rules.
Do the Rules even when your friends or parents think you're nuts!
Be Smart and other rules for dating in high school.
Take Care of yourself and other Rules for dating in college.
Next! And other Rules for dealing with Rejection.
Don't discuss the Rules with your therapist.
Don't break the Rules.
Do the Rules and you'll live happily ever after.
Love only those who love you.
Amazon Contents
I think some of this is wrong; that women project their own preferences onto men. Specifically, women are attracted to alpha men with options, so they in turn think men will be attracted to unavailable women.
On the other hand, some of these rules help screen out players. For example, "Don't rush into sex" or "Don't date a married man".
Other stuff makes a lot of sense, "Don't tell him what to do" or "Be easy to live with". The authors advise wearing feminine clothes and make-up, and being sexually available in relationships.