Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Withholding attention or gifts can make them seem more desirable.
In plain terms
Making someone wait makes them want things more.
What can you take from it?
Scarcity increases perceived value in relationships.

Where it applies

  • dating
  • negotiation

Putting it to work

  • being mindful of attention

Questions to consider

  • Is playing hard to get ever fair?

Another view

Being too distant can also push people away.

More from Anthony Trollope

  1. There is such a difference between life and theory.

    Permalink to quote #66
  2. Sir Timothy was a fluent speaker, and when there was nothing to be said was possessed of a great plenty of words. And he was gifted with that peculiar power wh…

    Permalink to quote #68
  3. It has been the great fault of our politicians that they have all wanted to do something.

    Permalink to quote #65

Related quotes

  1. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

    Niccolo MachiavelliNiccolo Machiavelli quote #45
  2. Brer Fox, he lay low.

    Joel Chandler HarrisJoel Chandler Harris quote #1
  3. Upon this, one has to remark that men ought either to be well treated or crushed, because they can avenge themselves of lighter injuries, of more serious ones …

    Niccolo MachiavelliNiccolo Machiavelli quote #1