How did Taylor Swift put it? “‘Cause you know I love the players/ And you love the game.” Why is it that we are drawn to the players? Why do they like the game so much? Before we carry on, a little recap. After a few months away, I recently stepped back into the dating scene. While in the past I used to surrender and play along, I recently felt I had enough. I am sick of playing the game. Why can’t things be more natural?

Giving it a second thought, I can recall I have never really liked playing the game. In high school, I used to look down at the other girls who played along. Batting my eyes, flirting constantly, felt like a waste of time to me.

Why can’t we approach it with a clean slate? Why can’t we be honest with each other? I don’t need you to wait a few days before texting me again. I don’t care about that. I would rather you’ll tell me immediately what you think and if you feel there is a future for us because I am not going to sit around and wait for your text.

I don’t understand the purpose of these games. They aren’t necessary. I don’t want to smile at the right time or laugh even when I don’t feel like it. I want to do what is natural for me. I want to be true for myself. I want you to like me for who I really am, from the beginning, instead of the girl I pretend to be.

So, strip down all the masks and the games. The way I see it, being honest, being yourself, is much more appealing than playing a game and putting on a front.