The Game

She explained to me that it's all about playing "the game".  She's not sleeping with any of them, so it's perfectly fine to hang out and test their potential to be her boyfriend.  She more or less keeps them all on the hook, juggling dates and phone calls with finesse.

Her methods involve creating a bit of mystery around herself that dudes find totally tantalizing.  She waits two hours to return a text and gives them just enough attention to keep them hopeful as she proceeds with her vetting process.

While a bit manipulative, it occurred to me that there is a certain amount of cat and mouse involved in any courting situation, almost like a dialogue. Testing the other person's limits, deciding whether (s)he can fit into your life is all part of the process. 

"The game" seems to be less conniving considering that it takes time to let down one's guard and become vulnerable.  This in fact makes the flirting and planning of the next move somewhat necessary. Opening up to every person we date is exhausting so a screening process is clutch.

However, unlike my much more adventurous little sis, I say that this is what the 3rd date is for. If you don't have an "emotional boner" by then, it's time to move it on down the road.  Or as my sister says, "look for some new recruits."