Okay, here’s the primer. Went out to dinner with Female Interest (FM) and two friends (a guy and a gal). While guy and I were up, girls were talking. I find out later that FM likes me and thinks I’m a great guy, but wants a little more adventure in getting someone, like a person playing “hard to get”.
She already knows that I like her. I asked her out a long time ago when I was stupid and sophmoric, but we’re more like friends now. I’ve known her for about two years. She knows that I find her attractive, smart and witty, as I have told her that in a friend-like way before.
So here’s the dilemma. How do I act hard to get without it seeming an all of a sudden thing? I call her maybe once a week and talk to her online sometimes. I’m a kind guy but not a pissy “nice guy”. Any tactics or ideas on making myself seem not totally acceptable or easy to get? I know that this isn’t a very good question to ask or have answered, but I figured if anyone would know, it would be Dopers. Thanks!
Appear to have an active social life with lots of friends. Of course, it helps if you actually have an active social life. Have something planned for nearly every night of the week that doesn’t necessarily involve her coming along. If she wants to, that’s fine as well.
Playfully flirt with other women.
I was doing those two things several years ago without the intention of being “hard to get”. I found out later that a few women found this attractive in that I seemed like a lot of fun and was easy to get along with without giving off a vibe that I would be clingy or needy. The fact that I appeared to be enjoying myself immensely without needing a love interest made me seem “hard to get”.
However, I don’t recommend playing hard to get if that’s not in your natural style of doing things. Putting on a facade will come crashing down around you eventually and make you seem petty or hollow.
I completely agree with Horseflesh. I’ve tried to play hard-to-get with guys, but I’m aweful at it… just cause it’s not my style. I’m an aggressive girl who knows what she wants, so it’s best that I stick to that.
However, I can see the appeal of a man playing hard-to-get in the fashion described by Horseflesh. Good advice!!! 
How? Don’t.
If she doesn’t like you if you don’t play “hard to get”, do you really want to be with her all that much?
I mean, I hate people who play games. People who play “hard to get” wouldn’t “get” me, as I’m so shy.
Restraining orders usually do the trick.
Haha, “I like men who play hard to get” sounds (to me) a bit like “let’s just be friends, OK?” (i.e. a subtle way of saying I like you but that’s all you’re going to get; don’t get too close please).