User post: Game on or game off?...Question for the ladies

Until maybe a year ago, I avoided showing any interest in dating due to trying to get over an ex and just get myself right as far as baggage and bitterness goes. I'm definitely not one of the "smooth ones" any more because due to having a jealous ex, who once got mad at me for "talking to and hugging" an attractive family member who I used to hang out with a lot and talk to all the time but hadn't seen in a while, I toned myself down and basically avoided contact or showing interest of any kind, date-wise with women. Yes, she was that bad.
Now, I'm pretty good mentally/physically/spiritually and getting back what working too much and staying home can do to you. I'm trying to "get back out there" and I've noticed that things have changed way, way for the worse. I'm totally confused as things have kind of gone sideways. I feel like I stepped out of my house and on to the planet of the apes!

First, women now want you to "have game" but all I hear is how women are "tired of games" and "don't have time for games". Huh? Another thing regarding games, women give me "the eye" or go out of their way to get my attention and say they want guys to approach them like gentlemen. For example, I'll be dancing and they'll come into my area, turn their backs to me and then look behind themselves to see if I'm going to make a move. HUH??? If you're interested, you have to do better than that. In my book, that's a game. If I'm interested, I'll come over and ask you to dance or extend my hand, LIKE A GENTLEMAN would. Seems like a lot of double talk to me. What gives? Should I start dressing like a thug or wannabe rapper and just come at you and grab you like you're property? That seems to work quite a bit these days. Dressing decent and speaking like a gentleman doesn't.