There’s a guy around my age I’m really interested in right now. He’s absolutely ideal in every way—his looks, personality, height, everything. But I also feel like he might just be playing me, and it’s really painful. The way he acts makes me feel like he’s teasing me, so I’m scared to seriously open up to him. But he’s exactly my type, so I don’t want to say goodbye that easily. Would having several other “pseudo-boyfriends” help me stay emotionally stable?

I’m Flag Maker, a column writer. Maybe the reason is that if you chose a man who genuinely fell for you and came at you seriously, it would disrupt your current life and you wouldn’t be able to keep your sanity. So aren’t you unconsciously choosing players instead? If that’s the case, there’s no need to worry. It’s actually what you yourself are looking for. That said, if you ask me, I think you’re simply running away and deceiving yourself. I’m a little worried about you. Anyway, I’m off to an adult shop to buy some toys.

I’m Date◎Yume, a male member. > I already have five papas, and if I start creating several faux-boyfriends too, I feel like I’m only going to become even more obsessed with men. Haha（笑） Five papas—you’re certainly popular（笑） It doesn’t matter how many faux-boyfriends you have. The point is to play along with your supposed “main guy” if he makes you feel like he’s just playing you. Even if he seems like your ideal partner, if you feel like he’s treating you casually, I think you’re better off taking him out of the running for that role. You seem to be very popular at the dating club, so you’ll be fine. I’m sure your true main guy will come along eventually.

Maezawa from the CEO’s Office here. > But I feel like he’s just playing with me, and it’s painful. I think the problem is that falling for him has put you in a weaker position. Now’s the time to put your experience with papa-katsu to use. You’d probably be in trouble if your papas stopped giving you money, but the fact that you’re seeing five of them means you’re probably still in a stronger position than they are. In other words, you can think, “If you keep making unreasonable demands, I’ll end things.” If you can treat this guy your own age the same way, you won’t have to worry so much. Even if his looks, personality, height, and everything else are exactly your type, if you can believe that you could easily find someone else just as good, you’ll be in the stronger position. Don’t worry about whether he’s playing you. Turn the tables and play him instead. Think about what you can do to make him completely captivated by you. Go in with the mindset of making a bold move the moment you meet him, and do your best to make him fall for you. If you make full use of your experience so far, it should be easy. Don’t fall for him—make him fall for you.

I’m Paper Airplane, one of the male members. Love is painful… You’re really living your youth. I’m so envious. As I’ve gotten older, I can’t fall in love anymore—I can only misread things as love… I’m truly jealous. (This has nothing to do with Mac’s comment, so don’t worry.) I just hope this develops into a good romance. Try not to make twisted interpretations a habit, though… Whatever we think about, whether good or bad, we tend to draw more of it into our lives.

I’m in Seattle. No—make a few almost-boyfriends, then approach your target with a relaxed, confident attitude. There are plenty of women competing for a wonderful man like that. Rather than sucking up to him, you may stand out more by holding your ground and speaking your mind.