I have to say that girls, and marmies posts on this subject are exactly part of why I dont even try to date anymore, i was pretty unsuccessful as it was because people who believe that everyone is playing these control games, never trust that you are not playing games too, and since they cannot figure out what you are doing (since you actually are not playing games) they get scared, thinking you are out playing them, and they've lost all control... and they run off...
On the other hand, many that recognize people who dont play games, realize that these few who dont play them, are easily manipulated by the mind games if you approach them right... Ive been the target of such approaches many times, some I noticed, others I didn't, till it was to late... and I have heavily resented every single attempt, what women have successfully used mind games on me, especially some of the crueler and more controlling ones,I warn them about it when I first notice, if they keep doing it, I dump them.
There are people who refuse to play these silly pointless games, both in relationships, and many of the social ones as well, they are rare, and I agree that MOST who say they dont, actually do, and quite heavily I might add, but there are still those who do not, considering how unsuccessful it usually is, I dont think it can be considered part of the game, because the game is about benefiting ones self, getting what YOU want, and not playing mind games,has the opposite effect more often than not... and usually ends up with me being permanently friend zoned, being considered the best friend, but never anything more... im strangely ok with that, but I would not mind if someday I met some one who after getting tired of manipulating and being manipulated by everyone all around her, would realize that I offer the kind of love she need never feel insecure about, the kind that will always make her feel happy and warm and safe... heck, all of these "best friends" say I already provide that to them...not much point in buying the cow if you get the milk for free I suppose...
"You can't just stay in your own bubble and own form, without getting into the mind of the person you are interacting with...and you shouldn't be encouraged to do so either."
just want to end by saying TG< that is one of the most ridiculous assumptions ive seen in this thread, NOT playing controlling mind games is the OPPOSITE of that, its about being honest and open about who you really are, and if they reciprocate, then you can "get into" each others minds, learn about what makes each other tick... you cant both do that if you are both obsessed with being the one in control, these games separate you from being able to do that.