Racecar: Yeah, you always have to keep in mind that everything she is doing is for her. All the game-playing, and things like that - its with her interests in mind. Gotta watch for ulterior motives, and never assume that someone is being genuine.
This applies even to the most basic things. If she acts up - its because she's looking for a specific reaction to benefit her. When she complains or plays the victim - she's looking for sympathy, and get you to do things for her. When she's bothered by what you do - its because she can't get her way, and she's trying to change that. When she tries to blame you for something she did - its to make you look at fault, and the one who has to make it up to her. I could go on and on and on.
Everything she does - which may seem normal or genuine - is with her interests in mind. Nothing is accidental or coincidental - because it always ends up benefiting her. That's why they play so many games and put you through crap tests. It's pretty much in their nature.
The difference between a good girl and bad girl is that the bad girl will try to manipulate and control you. She'll cheat on you or treat you like garbage - then blame you for it. The concept is the same, but the actions are extreme. They'll also purposely mess with your head, tear you down, and all that not-so-good stuff.
The basic principle is the same, which is why men probably generalize and get confused. Women are all basically the same, but some are worse or better than others. Just because she plays games - doesn't mean she's a manipulative *****. They're all going to play games. Some are just nicer and more genuine about them.
You gotta look not at what they do, but at the person who is doing them. A ***** or player will play hard to get because she has no interest in committing, is a user, sleeps around, doesn't give, etc. A nice girl might still do this, but not for the same reasons. If a ***** does this to you, and then a nice girl does the same thing - you might conclude that they're the same, and bail out before you get hurt again. Not smart. They're all going to play these games. It's up to you to learn the difference, and find out which one is being genuine. The bad girl will basically date everyone in front of your face, act selfish, bully you around, and not care about you. That's one way to tell.
Becoming a good judge of character is one of the best things you could ever do.