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What our grandmothers told us about playing hard to get is true. The whole point of the game is to impress and capture. It's not about honesty. Many men and women, when they're playing the courtship game, deceive so they can win. Novelty, excitement and danger drive up dopamine in the brain. And both sexes brag.
Helen Fisher
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the deceptive nature of courtship, where individuals often use tactics rather than honesty to attract others.

In this quote, Helen Fisher observes that traditional advice about 'playing hard to get' holds true in modern courtship practices. She suggests that many individuals engage in deceptive behaviors during courtship, valuing novelty and excitement over honesty. The interplay of these dynamics can elevate the thrill of attraction, albeit at the cost of authenticity. As people strive to impress each other, the stakes often involve exaggeration and manipulation in the pursuit of winning someone's affection.

Themes

CourtshipDeceptionRelationshipsLoveGamesExcitementHonesty

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about dating strategies, one might say: 'As Helen Fisher suggests, sometimes we play hard to get.'

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Quote by Helen Fisher | QuoteProject