Cheating.

As it has been the topic of much debate and discussion lately -- thanks in part to the recent celebrity cheating sagas surrounding Jon & Kate and Mel Gibson -- it’s time to clarify the Player’s position on cheating. Cheating is, unfortunately, a part of dating and relationships, but there are boundary lines that respectful and honorable men simply don’t cross. Nobody is immune to the cheating impulse; when the current relationship’s heat begins to fade, “the grass is always greener” feeling can strike us hard. Although the Player continually labors beneath a variety of false stereotypes and accusations, one of the most irritating is the belief that the successful ladies’ man has no morals (i.e., he considers cheating as “part of the game”).

First and foremost, the player never cheats, nor will he attempt to pick up a girl who wishes to cheat. It’s not only counterproductive in the long run, but it also flies directly in the face of everything the Player stands for. The Player adores women; cheating and adoration are mutually exclusive. Here are some Player rules on cheating.

Rule 1 on cheating

Cheating devalues everything

Cheating doesn’t actually enhance anything. The common myth is that danger is titillating and can ramp up the passion of taboo encounters, but there’s a problem with this belief: “danger” is fleeting and such a sensation can rapidly shift, as tension and foreboding can follow hot on the heels of heightened passion. Furthermore, as the very concept of cheating is rooted in something outside the physical union in question, such couplings are devoid of any real feeling or emotion. Those who have cheated will always try to say -- often in their own vain defense -- that it was “mechanical,” that they were just “going through the motions.” Well, of course: Cheating is about somebody else. There’s no real challenge or satisfaction in it and, lest we forget, the Player is in this for ultimate satisfaction.

Rule 2 on cheating

Cheating is for the weak and lazy

Honestly, it doesn’t take that much in the way of mental fortitude to resist temptation. Those who claim it was “irresistible” are desperately attempting to mask their weakness and it’s downright pathetic. Those who cheat do so for a variety of reasons, certainly, but none of them can be considered appealing character traits. They cheat because they can’t face an ugly breakup battle with their current partner (which is absurd, as cheating will inevitably lead to an even uglier battle), they cheat because they’re too lazy to go through with the severing, they cheat because they’re easily lured by the siren’s call. The Player is familiar with the urges and doesn’t allow them to affect his behavior. We’ve already talked about how other people perceive cheaters; well, the ladies’ man is aware how cheating can affect his own self-image and self-esteem.

Rule 3 on cheating

Cheating is a reputation-killer

These days, a man’s reputation may not mean as much as it did in days long past, but for someone who is often at the mercy of word-of-mouth, it’s essential. And because it can change in a split second, it requires constant upkeep and maintenance. Cheating is the single fastest way to tear down an entire body of work; one moment of weakness can erase years of faithfulness produced by the most stalwart Player professional. There are plenty of other ways a man can damage his reputation in the eyes of the ladies, but nothing is more devastating than cheating. Even if it’s only a rumor, this spark can set off a wildfire that rages high and far. It’s almost impossible to extinguish, and although it may die out eventually, the destruction is significant and recovery can take a very long time. A reputation is a terrible thing to waste on something so… unfulfilling.

Rule 4 on cheating

A true Player doesn’t have to cheat

In truth, the real Player never has to cheat. If he’s unhappy with his current woman, he has the resolve to simply break it off and pursue another target. He does this honestly, carefully and tactfully. On top of which, we’ve already solidified the fact that nailing a chick who wishes to cheat takes no real skill, and a Player aspires to bigger and better things. Throughout the course of a Player’s excursions, he will frequently consider and dismiss opportunities that aren’t actually “opportunities” at all; they’re partially obscured traps that can lead to some nasty accidents. The learned pickup artist quickly recognizes such traps, steps deftly around them and pushes forward to achieve more satisfying sexual experiences via real effort. In short, he knows exactly what he wants, and he knows cheating won’t deliver his true desires.

Honesty is the best policy

Many women fall victim to the falsehood that a Player exists only to serve his own desires and as a direct result, he leaves a trail of destroyed hearts and bad feelings in his wake. That’s the description of a womanizing creep, so get your definitions straight. The Player doesn’t cheat, typically doesn’t spend time with cheaters, and perhaps above all else, he doesn’t have to cheat because he’s honest -- and a nice guy.

Cheating.