"Dating requires game-playing and strategy - I have to be less available."
How it sounds in your head: You've read all the advice about not texting back too fast, making him chase, playing hard to get. Being yourself feels like giving too much too soon. Maybe if you were more mysterious or strategic, guys would actually pursue.
"Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come."
-- Proverbs 31:25World system teaching manipulation and performance instead of authenticity in relationships.
Every time you've been genuine and interested, guys lose interest. The girls who play games seem to keep guys hooked. Maybe vulnerability equals weakness in dating and you need to protect yourself with strategy.
Mary broke an alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus' feet in FULL vulnerability while others criticized her as wasteful and excessive. Jesus defended her extravagant authenticity and said her story would be told wherever the gospel is preached - her genuine heart, not strategic restraint, made her unforgettable.
I REFUSE the lie that I need to play games to be valued. IT IS WRITTEN that strength and honor are my clothing - I don't need manipulation as my strategy. The right man will be drawn to my AUTHENTICITY because God is preparing someone who values REAL over performed. IT IS WRITTEN that my beauty is the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. I am the righteousness of God in Christ, the seed of Abraham, covered by the BARAK blessing. I can be fully myself because the One writing my story doesn't require me to perform.
Your Father is running toward you celebrating your REALNESS, not waiting for you to master dating strategy. He's preparing a man who will be captivated by your authenticity, someone who will treasure your genuine heart the way Jesus treasured Mary's extravagant worship.