Commercials hype up products as being available for a limited time only… “while supplies last” to get shoppers to fret at the thought at missing out on a one-time opportunity. When you get a taste of something you like, you want more. When you know this object of your desire is in demand but limited in availability — you want it more … you yearn for it! This is known as the law of scarcity and I’m constantly screwed by it.

Many a time during that delicate, awkward beginning stage of getting to know a person when I know I’m very attracted I’ve just gone for it — physically and verbally expressing exactly what I feel and want. Yeah, well as the buffet of affection, patrons get full and walk away.

Sometimes I’m the object of desire and definitely, the first few times of hearing of someone’s growing interest is endearing, however at some point the doting texts, phone calls and emails lose their appeal. I can get it whenever I want … whatever, no rush.

If I care about the person I’ll kindly tell them to back off. I’ve had that plan backfire and that’s when the law of scarcity royally fucks me. My admirer might obey and make himself really scarce, turning the tables … and now I’m the one standing in line.

The law of scarcity can also affect a lasting relationship. For example, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy have been together for decades. They’re just about sick of each other. At a party, Kermit is spending more time with other female guests. His attention on Miss Piggy is now limited and therefore more valuable to her. She has to fight to get it back.

The truth of the matter is that this method of persuasion is ego-based. Acting on it is done out of fear of not getting enough — or any — of the person you want. It’s best to accept a relationship as it is and be desirable by using self-control to not be so easily obtained.

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