People solve this problem by making bigger and bigger signals at each other, until either one side stops making the bigger signals or until the signals are so big you can’t ignore them, (also known as “flirting”).
Signals are one part of the solution of course, but one thing that’s really important in practice is showing off: doing things and acting out behaviors that will give the other side a good impression of yourself. The nice thing about doing this is that you’re sending all sorts of positive signals at the same time. Good qualities of course, but also saying that you know what sorts of showoffs are appreciated. It’s also a good signal that (a) you’re attracted to them yourself, and would feel good about it if the attraction was mutual, but (b) you also value your autonomy and know that mutual attraction cannot be counted on. You most likely are not going to get clingy and dependent—a prospect many are worried about.
All in all, I’m not sure what other things could successfully send this kind of valued, targeted info. Of course there’s a big amount of subtlety in showing off as in anything else, but if there’s one thing you want to keep in mind about the rational and game-theoretic side of relationships, maybe this should be it.
Signals are one part of the solution of course, but one thing that’s really important in practice is showing off: doing things and acting out behaviors that will give the other side a good impression of yourself. The nice thing about doing this is that you’re sending all sorts of positive signals at the same time. Good qualities of course, but also saying that you know what sorts of showoffs are appreciated. It’s also a good signal that (a) you’re attracted to them yourself, and would feel good about it if the attraction was mutual, but (b) you also value your autonomy and know that mutual attraction cannot be counted on. You most likely are not going to get clingy and dependent—a prospect many are worried about.
All in all, I’m not sure what other things could successfully send this kind of valued, targeted info. Of course there’s a big amount of subtlety in showing off as in anything else, but if there’s one thing you want to keep in mind about the rational and game-theoretic side of relationships, maybe this should be it.