In the dating world, a player is someone who fakes a serious degree of romantic interest while often conducting several similar relationships simultaneously. They are deceptive and manipulative by nature, and their aim is to win your affection, often using sexual conquest as a marker to judge this. Players often disguise low self-worth and an inability to form secure attachments. They come on strong, are extremely charming, and may work hard to make you believe that your life has no value without them. However, once they achieve their goal, they may suddenly back off, leaving you waiting and spending money, time, and energy to lure them back.

To avoid getting hurt by a player, it is important to recognize the warning signs. These include overpromising and underdelivering, pressuring you to be physical too quickly, constantly flirting with others, and keeping you at arms length, never truly opening up and letting you in. Players typically engage with multiple partners at once and lack the commitment to any one person. They avoid responsibility for the consequences of their actions while showing no remorse, and they have no problem hurting the one theyre playing with.

It is important to note that a person isnt necessarily a player just because they arent interested in commitment at this point in their life or have had many partners in the past. However, if you spot any of the warning signs, its best to keep your wits about you and not play into their game.