PLAYING TO WIN OR PLAYING FOR KEEPS?

A lot of thought processes flow from conversations I've with other people, observations or just too much time on my hands allowing my brain to wander. This particular blog comes from a series of conversations that friends and I have had. Im also speaking in a "woman's voice" because those friends and I are women.

Okay, so everyone speaks of the relationship "game," rules, do/donts and so on. Basically, how well you play determines what happens next. My real reason for writing is because I'm wondering if one plays the game just to win or if they're playing for keeps. What is the real motivation?

We've all been in situations that dont seem like they'd go anywhere, yet we draw them out. For instance, lets say you're dating, messing around, hanging out, humping around or whatever you would consider your situation if you aren't in a committed relationship. You continuously hang in a revolving door even though you're well aware that its revolving. Why do that? Is it that you are so in love/like with that person that you can't let go of it? OR do you just not want to lose?

He doesnt want to be with me, but I will not give up until I have him. He has a woman, but I will not leave him alone until he leaves her. We've been doing this back & forth dance because I cant live without him. I can go on and on with scenarios. Each of them leaves you in that same revolving door.

If you're playing for keeps your struggle may be worth it. You actually have genuine motivation for doing what you're doing. You imagine yourself spending the rest of your life (or at least a really long time) with this person. However, you still have to wonder whether or not the trials are worth what you're going through. You can continue your course with the possibility that it'll work or you can move on in search of better.

I think after some time has gone by sometimes winning becomes soooooo important that people can get caught up allowing more time to pass in order to get the trophy. "I will not lose". You may have feelings for that person but lets be honest, is your dignity and self-respect worth what you'd get in the end? Probably not. What happens to trophies after that initial rush of excitement, you put it on a shelf to collect dust. Damn shame! Just stop playing. This is real life & its too short.