Do you suspect that your next potential boyfriend candidate is toying with that cute little head of yours? Tired of feeling like he’s playing?

Here’s the lowdown on how likely he is trying to put you on some sort of dating test, and how to tell for sure:

Don’t be too paranoid, it’s not that common in men

The truth is, women are much more likely to try mind tricks than men. Most guys just aren’t wired this way, although there are definitely exceptions.

There is a type of person who is more likely to start a mind game that you probably don’t even know you are playing. An insecure, bitter guy who’s been treated badly by his previous girlfriends (cheated on, used financially, etc.), he’s the usual suspect of a guy who’ll put you through the ringer by poking at your brain before deciding how serious to get. . with you.

What types of games?

The types of games vary depending on the situation and the personalities involved, but there are some that tend to be seen more often than others.

Actually, the most common “game” you see men play isn’t always premeditated, so don’t jump to conclusions. Many men will be indecisive and confused by nature, and this results in a game of “I want you/I don’t now” that many women have had to deal with.

Other games include flirting with other women right in front of you to gauge your reaction, asking you questions about marriage and children to find out if you’ll demand a serious commitment from him, and various communication cutoff tests where he disappears for a few more days. or less to see how clingy or independent you are.

The worst test of all

You can choose to dump a guy or forgive him if you see a game in action. However, there is one test that should never be forgiven.

Life is too short to tolerate a man who manipulates your feelings just because he can and does take advantage of that precious power. So if he starts the worst game a person can play – leaving you alone to see what your reaction will be – just walk away forever. Only real sick people like this one.

How to play (or not play)

You only have a few options for a course of action if you realize that a guy you started dating is now testing you psychologically.

Your first choice? You can have fun with the situation and not take it seriously. This can include playing a game back and playing with your head as well.

The second option is to ignore him and avoid all communication until he gets the hint. If he just disappears and you never hear from him again, you’ll be better off not getting hurt.

The final option is the simplest: just throw it away. Be direct and fearless, and remind him that this is what mature adults do instead of playing silly games.

Healthy tests and games and others that definitely are not

In many relationships, both parties playfully playfully test each other, without consciously realizing it and with no intention of hurting their partners.

Flirting with another person at a party or nightclub right in your partner’s direct line of sight is a popular example. Many couples tease each other in this way and have a lot of fun together.

However, there are couples who cross the line. If your tests and games take on a sadistic feel, then you know that this is no longer healthy behavior. The intention is the key that will tell you if you have crossed the border of the unstable or not: WHY are you testing your partner in this way? If the response is to deliberately hurt them, hit the pause button and get professional help.

Why is it better to get rid of them?

It is better to leave behind a man who tests you psychologically and emotionally on a regular basis. Because? From what he says about his personality and background.

First, it shows him that he is incredibly insecure. Second, he shows that he’s selfish to the max, as he’s more than willing to make you look uncomfortable or even painful if it means he’ll get whatever stupid response he wants.

The safeguard against all tests and games

There’s a simple way to make sure you don’t become someone’s toy in a relationship. If you are strong at all times in dating situations and keep your own well-being and rights in mind, you will prevent most of the bullshit before it starts.

If you know he’s testing you, don’t worry. Act exactly as you would otherwise. Do not give power to his efforts and it will show him that you are not an easy target.