The greatest game of all?

The Great Game normally refers to the power play between the British and Russian Empires for control of central Asia. Later, to a lesser extent, it referred to the Cold War. I think (have thought for awhile) it refers to the greatest game of all--the game of love. Or trying to find someone to love. It's a delicate process. No, really. When two people attempt to come together, they bring all of their collective experiences to the table. It's akin to a chess board, maneuvering not to gain the best advantage, but to understand the person better.

Another way to look at it is like engaging in a sort of kabuki dance, where the principals maneuver around each other, feeling each other out before actually touching. How you maneuver and how you feel out is the rub of the matter. Meeting a mate isn't the same thing as picking out a car. That other person is animate, with thoughts, feelings, idiosyncrasies and "issues"--just like you. Making peace and being compatible with the other person's traits--and being honest about it--makes the dance worthwhile. You also have to make peace with yourself. That makes the board and the dancefloor easier to get around.