I don't know whether it's just me over-thinking and analysing every little move, maybe they're not playing games at all and it's in my head. But I personally just prefer to be direct about my intentions, no messing around (I've actually been told that I have no subtlety).
Although I can understand why we may resort to them, for whatever reasons: not wanting to look desperate and trying to appear cool(er) (definitely in my case). I guess the greatest risk is that someone could get hurt, hence all the motives. You may be secretly hoping that they fail the first round, to save your own feelings, but yet get disappointed if they do...
So, in the love game, when the stakes are high and your heart is on the line, will you fold, or go all in?