Ever since our cave-ancestors
started listening to their libidos, men have initiated relationships. Men
have also
complained relentlessly about their courting responsibilties.
Women, too, found faults in this suffocating tradition as they were
relegated to waiting for the male to make
his move. Thus, the sexual revolution was born, and we, as its heirs
are free to ask each other out as we please. 
However, sometimes, it seems as though we have taken two steps back
instead of one step forward. Now that women have some of the freedom that men have,
we
have to deal with the courting pitfalls as well. Until recently, women have never had
to deal with playing hard-to-get, the ubiquitous mind games, but, worst of all,
rejection.
Being rejected by someone you fancy is tough, no two ways about it. Guys, though, have been slow
to catch on to many time-honoured female tricks.
If you are approached by a hungry hippo and you
can't reciprocate her love, say so. Making excuses like not
being ready
for a relationship, not having enough time, or that you are getting over
someone is downright mean.
While many of these excuses may be true
for some,
they are classic examples of beating around the bush. Not only are you insulting her intelligence, but it won't
make her feel
better when she sees you lip-locked with someone else the next day.
If a person is strong enough to confess her undying love, more often
than not, she can handle rejection.
Another common post-rejection event that females
have become familiar with is the can-we-still-be-friends
shtik.
Whether, the guy or the girl makes the plea, the rejectee is
often ignored.
The guy may feel that he is helping the girl by giving her time
to heal.
True, this may help at first, but no one likes being ignored.
It's as if the guy feels that the slightest move will lead her on.
However, a girl understands the word "no" and may sincerely desire your friendship.
Honour her assertiveness, instead of buying that one-way ticket to the land of immaturity.
So, boys, although women may get bitter and out of line, it's just because we're learning the rules of the game, too.
When it all boils down, though, relationships are just a massive game of hide
and go seek, and should be treated
as learning
experiences.
Like with any other game, practice makes perfect, so
the next you get dissed, smile, count to ten and get on with the game.
