If given a choice -- I'd prefer not to play games....

I’m pretty much a straight shooter. I’ve never believed in being insincere or thinly veiled in my intentions.

As a child, my Mom always said I “wore my heart on my sleeve”. I didn’t believe in playing “hard to get”. If I like you – I like you, and I don’t know how to hide it.

(I did try playing “hard to get once” – and it almost backfired on me. Therefore proving my theory. Clearly, I was wise beyond my tender years!)

While that’s not a bad thing, there is something to be said about that changing somewhat as you get older. As much as people claim they “don’t like drama” or like “games” in aspect of their life – that isn’t necessarily the truth. Especially when it comes to business.

I definitely understand that there’s a need for not always stating your intentions or desired end state at the beginning, because sometimes you need to get a feel for situations and circumstances – as well as size up the integrity of those whom you’re dealing with. There are many people who aren’t honest and looking to take advantage of someone else’s trust, so I’m all for poker faces and chess matches in the beginning.

But when you’re at a particular juncture with people and are past that point --– it’s frustrating to find out that those who claimed to have “laid their cards out on the table”, really haven’t.

It just frustrates me that I have to play hardball in a situation that I shouldn’t have to.

“You’ve got to know when to hold’em – know when to fold ‘em. Know when to walk away…..”

My gut says that throwing all the chips on the table and saying “I’m walking away” is going to give the desired end state that I want. Bluff – but meant it.

At the same time – is it worth the risk of the gamble, if I’m wrong.

And this my friends is why I’d never make a good poker player.