You may be playing hard-to-get without even knowing it. We scoffed earlier this year when we heard that "The Rules"—the 1995 dating guide that encouraged women to be passive and pleasing and play hard-to-get— was making a comeback. But new research shows that the rules may be right after all: Playing hard-to-get actually works.

Related: Study Shows Men and Women Can't Just Be Friends

Published in the European Journal of Personality, the data from hundreds of people in four different experiments showed that college-age men and women who played hard-to-get ended up with a higher-quality partner.

"We all would want honesty in dating but this is never going to happen," the study's author Peter Jonason, who teaches psychology at the University of Western Sydney in Australia, told NBC. "We are not overtly lying, but we're always trying to marry up."

Related: Is Playng Hard-to-Get a Turn On or Turn Off?

Both sexes play the game, but there are a few slight differences. While women made themselves seem more interesting by not communicating and

Creative Gift Ideas Posted by James Lane for BounceBack.com

This Christmas season is finally upon as, and instead of relaxing and spending time with our loved ones watching the fire, we are instead stressing out over ingredients in our cookie recipes, which house to eat Christmas dinner at, and most importantly, what gifts we are to buy for our significant other.

Aside from stressing over gifts, we are also stressing over money. When we go to the shopping mall or department stores and see the price tag next to certain items, we think to ourselves, "I am not spending 200 on a tie clip!" We spend hours and days (some even months) thinking about the perfect gift to give our boyfriend or girlfriend; a gift with meaning and thought that is special and personal. It is almost impossible to find something personal anymore, so why not make it yourself?

Here are a few ideas for gifts you can give your partner on Christmas that are both thoughtful and cheap.

1. A Picture. I don't

Sarah Cascone was here for a taping. She had no idea she was about to be on the show, or that her fiancé was back from Afghanistan and here to surprise her. This might be the most moving reunion we've ever done.

By Caroline Golon

Bringing Bugsy home was worth the risk of a big fight.When Ronni and Bruce Keller's 15-year-old dog, Jaden, passed away, they were devastated. So was their other dog, Harris. After weeks of seeing Harris become more and more depressed, Ronni decided to get another dog to keep him company, much to her husband's chagrin.

Ronni says of Bruce, "He was either going to kill me or divorce me."

The Kellers, who live in Las Vegas, hadn't expected Harris to be so blue when Jaden died. "We tried everything. New toys, extra fun exercise, begging … pleading," Ronni says. But nothing seemed to make a difference in Harris' mood.

See Also: Would You Date a Man Who Didn't Like Pets?

After two months of watching Harris mope around the house, Ronni finally broke down and went looking for a new dog, unbeknownst to Bruce. She found a Lhasa Apso who was in desperate need of a family and brought him home … while her husband was at work.

While Harris was

Getty Imagesby Brides

Being nearly-engaged doesn't absolve you from wedding-related drama. Our experts weigh in on whether you need your dad's "OK" to say "I do," and more, in our daily wedding etiquette post.

Related: Ten Things You Should Know About the First Year of Marriage

Does my boyfriend have to ask my father for permission to marry me?

While it's more of a tradition than a requirement, many dads appreciate the gesture of being asked for their daughter's hand in marriage. However, since you can marry whomever you like, regardless of your father's wishes, nowadays most men ask for a father's blessing, not permission. If you think your dad may be upset if your future groom doesn't consult him ahead of time, tell your boyfriend to make sure to talk to him before proposing. If you're not sure what your dad would like and don't want to ask him, talk to your mom. She'll be able to tell you if your father expects to be asked.

More from Brides:
64 Stunning Engagement Rings

The Magician card reversed suggests that your ego could get bruised if what started as a passionate affair is revealed as a way to get some action or as part of an agenda to gain material advantage or a position of power. Try not to place too high a priority on the trappings of romance or dating or else you might fall victim to a player who could use pressure and manipulation in order to get what he or she wants. As long as you are aware of the game, enjoy playing it.

Free Sample Priority Shuffle Tarot Reading

Check your horoscope on Shine.

Photo: Getty ImagesBy Leigh Newman


Love Is Location
You might have learned this one before, when you were off in college in California and your high-school love was off in college in Maine. Sooner or later, somebody got lonely and fell for a more conveniently located mate. Long-distance adult romances have similar issues. Yes, you have a job, a car and a condo with a reasonable mortgage. So does he. But sooner or later, one of you is going to have to move if the two of you want things to work. Skype doesn't let you e-cuddle or e-go-to-the-movies (where you find out that you both crack up during the supposedly scary scenes). I'm not saying you should pick up and relocate two weeks into the relationship. But then again, two years can be too late. All of us fear being the ding-dong who gave up her whole life for some guy. But that guy probably fears the same thing. Nobody talks about it, but love requires bravery--and the kind of closeness that's not just in your minds.


No Expectations are Not Low

Sometimes it can be hard to tell just what your new man is looking for. If you've just started dating, and things are going great, you can begin to collect data to determine if he is Mr. Quality Casual, or is actually at a place in his life that he wants a relationship. Learn how to recognize the seven give-away signs he wants a relationship so you can find lasting love and partnership:

1. He is truly attentive to you. A man who is ready to settle down, really listens when you talk. He comfortably makes eye contact, asks questions about your life, hopes, dreams and even is amused by the quirky story about your cat! He will also ask for your input, and make you a core part of your conversations.

2. He wants to see you all the time. Although it might not be right away, he will want to see you at minimum one or two times a week (if not more, based on your work schedules). He will call/text you at regular intervals. He wants to see you as much as it is humanly possible!

3. He