Love + Sex

Saturday, December 5, 2009

5 Reasons "No" Might Mean "Yes"

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My sister once gave her number to a guy because he knew me and it would have been awkward if rejected him. They went on a few dates, and she complained the enitre time. The last thing I heard before they became an item was: "he won't stop trying, but I'll get out of it soon." This somehow turned into a three year relationship.

A friend of mine explained she wasn't into this guy she was dating; he was "annoying" and it "was not going anywhere". He continued to be "annoying" even though they went on vacations and got more and more into it. They are still dating, and I'm sure that- two years later- she still calls him "annoying".

I live by the rule that one rejection means I beat a hasty retreat to save face. For example, if a girl wants to call me back, she'll call after my first call right? The agonizing days waiting for a call back fuels the mind to make up reasons for why she hasn't called back, ranging from simple to crazy:

- She never got the message

- The message was unclear

- She accidentally deleted my message and number

- She's busy with work

-She's been abdjucted by aliens

- She changed into a giant roach over night like that guy Gregor in Kafka's Metamorphosis

Most of the girls I know tell me to call back one more time after I don't hear from a girl. There is growing evidence that "no" could mean "yes," or event a few "nos" could mean "yes." Let's examine why this is so:

Women Say That They Didn't Like Their Boyfriend At First

I'm not sure if women say this just to give their boyfriends a tough time but they will say something like:

"I thought he was creepy at first."

"He grew on me."

"When he first came up to me I was thinking 'who is this loser?"

If we stick around long enough, maybe we have a fighting chance.

Men Love The Thrill of the Chase, and Women Know It

We know that you know that we like the thrill of the chase. So, if you're saying "no", we tell ourselves that you're just playing "hard to get". In fact, we may enjoy hearing "no" at first because it intensifies the challenge, and means you care enough to play hard to get. Those of us who can't take a hint, or want to look at our failure in a positive light might keep trying until we know we are "offically rejected". It's sad when it turns out that, "no" was indeed "no," and it was not part of a game.

We've Been Rewarded for "Campaigns"

Most of my courtships take on the appearance of a political campaign. And what happens in political campaigns? Politicians work to change opinions and minds of the populace. Often, my courtships are moments and tactics that end up convincing a girl to date me. Maybe that's why I'm still single. I've grown accustomed to overcoming obsticles such as early "nos" to get to where I want to be.


"Nos" and "Yesses" Aren't Always Solid In The Beginning

In the beginning, even "yesses" aren't always sure "yesses." When things start off you think to yourself, "what the heck am I doing?" Similarly, "nos" aren't solid either. One or both people are prone to change their minds easily.

We Can Turn an "Unsure No" Into A "Yes"

Most of us guys have been there: the night ends, and we invite the girl to to come home with us. When a girl says no, we launch into our second and third attempts. Sadly, these attempts are filled with incentives such as a promise of guitar playing or "fabulous chicken tenders at the diner by my place", or even promises: "I will definitely call you the next day," etc. I've taken girls home after long discussions changing "nos" into "yesses," and had long discussions before making out as well:

- Debating the pros and cons of making out in relation to our friendship

- Discussing how we'll hide it from certian people if it happens

- Convincing a girl she's not "slutty" if we make out on the first night

So, given the amount of times we have to convince, change minds, turn the tides, and overcome obstacles, we've learned that sometimes "no" can mean "yes". Or, at lease we can turn our frown upside down with a little focused, hard work and persuasion.

Have you been into a guy and told him "no" anyway? Are my reasons accurate? How can I recognize a real "no," and a "flexible no"? Do you use "nos" to make a guy work harder to win you over?


Posted by Rich


Related from Marie Claire:

How to Spot Your Soul Mate
Diary of a Hook Up From heck
5 Ways You're Sabotaging Your Relationship
50 Cheap Date Ideas
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From the Community…

Comments 1-7 of 7
  • Josh's Avatar
    Posted by Josh Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:30pm PDT

    Before I started dating my now Fiance, I had called her after a party to see if she wanted to go for a walk. She didn't answer so i left a message. All other times I had not spoke with a woman I called or she hadn't called back, i would give it up as a lost cause. For some reason I called her again the next day to again see about going for a walk. This time she answered (as she says planning to say no) and said ok, but made sure to sound not very enthused hoping I would say well let's try it some other time. not quite sure how it happened but a little over a year later we were engaged and it was the best walk of my life. I think that it is very common in both men and women, to hesitate about the beginnings of a relationship. Whether it is because they just got out of one or it has been awhile since they were last in one. I Know that if i had not called her that second time we would not be where we are now. I thank whoever/whatever for giving me the persistance to give it another shot...It was the best thing i've ever done!

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  • Alex's Avatar
    Posted by Alex Tue Oct 20, 2009 1:00pm PDT

    my now boyfriend of almost 3 years asked me out and I said no. but his best friend was dating my best friend so we saw each other almost everyday and after only a week after i said no i was falling so hard for him and luckly he hadnt given up on me. its been amazing ever since.

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  • Joboo027's Avatar
    Posted by Joboo027 Tue Oct 20, 2009 1:03pm PDT

    it's all a game. i would prefer just plain and simple honesty. the thrill of the chase can be stopped with a no and women know this, that's the reason for the game. then you see all of the postings on here for people looking for that special someone, or why they can't a date, etc. stop playing games, it's that simple!

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  • TJ S's Avatar
    Posted by TJ S Wed Oct 21, 2009 8:50am PDT

    I'm not a big fan of the thrill of the chase, never was really. Especially if time and time again they're playing games. I'm more for the straight out honest route. Not necessarily her being easy, but not the reel me in, cast me out crap.

    Report Abuse
  • Danny's Avatar
    Posted by Danny Wed Oct 21, 2009 10:51am PDT

    OMG!! I LOVE YOU!!

    Report Abuse
  • None's Avatar
    Posted by None Thu Oct 22, 2009 12:18pm PDT

    Hmm "Josh" I admire you, you sound like one of my friends, he is VERY PATIENT with me, i am very untrustworthy with plp, and some of the s--- I do I can't believe they put up with.....but now i screwed up, but i think its for the best, i just can't trust men, there always seems to be a motive from them, but i acted like a b---- .

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  • Momo's Avatar
    Posted by Momo Thu Nov 5, 2009 6:57pm PST

    No almost always means yes unless she is blatantly rude and gives dirty looks. No means hard to get. Guys like to feel "special" and apparently guys like the chase. Also girls are often unsure if the guy is serious etc. They do not ask girls confidently. They act like it's a joke incase of rejection. Girls don't want to look stupid anymore then you do. The fear to girls means interest resulting in a more likely no that may mean yes. If you are 27+ maybe it's a different generation. Girls need to feel respected so don't be desperate but make sure they know you "somewhat" like their personalities. If you don't often see this girl a lot and she says no then try once or twice more. If she doesn't respond well leave her. If she is a friends friend and she says no and then gives you attitude it's a no. Lastly if she is a friend of yours and she says no look her in the eye and say you respect that but need to know exactly why. Good Luck!!

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