EDIT: I think this salient comment by /u/mentalfork best highlights my issues with DG:

Dread game to me has more to do instilling dread and fear into your partner (a presumption that you are going to act on your options) in an effort to trigger clinging behavior.

To me, that is emotional abuse, and most importantly, it is a terminal strategy as eventually the resentment over being emotionally abused will outweigh the fear of being left/being alone, and cause a person to check out of the relationship.


Red Pillers, how many of you really see DG as a viable option? If so, why?

One problem I have with this concept is that I've heard as many definitions of DG as rpers I've discussed it with. Some will say it is flirting with others in front of your SO, some say it is becoming cold and distant, some say it is upfront telling your SO you have other options... Can anyone give a more definitive explanation? I don't mind going off individuals, but just for clarity I haven't heard a sold definition.

Personally, and there is no nice way to say this, I view it as emotional abuse toward the target because the user implements it with the express purpose of causing their partner distress. Sometimes we can't help but cause our partners distress, shit happens - but usually not in a premeditated way like DG. The intention of making your partner sweat or worry because you don't like something about them also just seems rather mean and immature, most adults don't do this to each other ime.

It also makes no sense to me as a tactic, what do you stand to gain by using DG over other methods of communicating your concerns? If you love your SO and value your relationship why not openly communicate about whatever issue you're having? If after that your partner is still not receptive to you, or you are just dating casually, it seems reasonable to tell them you want out of the relationship because x, y, z is not working out, no dread necessary.

On the other hand, if your SO decides to DG you what would you do? Would you still want to stay with them afterwards?