Due to our fascination with Pick Up Artistry I've been thinking about emotional abuse as being a part of an abusive relationship

Many of us are inherently skeeved by PUA'ry because it feels icky - we can pinpoint "that feels manipulative" but, beyond that, what?

Well, it grosses us out because it is essentially adult grooming. Grooming is an essential part of an abusive relationship, as this lays the groundwork for all that is to follow. It also looks remarkably similar to a PUA's tactics!. Women who aren't open to grooming are less likely to be targeted by PUAs just as children who manage to resist a groomer's efforts are more likely to safe.

So, how can we be safe? Know the The Six Stages of Grooming!

Stage 1: Targeting the victim In this case, cocktail waitresses are the particular attraction. Another prefers to practice at the diner instead.

Stage 2: Gaining the victim's trust In his tl;dr we can see how important it is to do the talking. "I didn't accomplish much compared to most sedditors, but I feel so damned good about just taking the first real step. Thank you guys!!! :D" Of course, if she doesn't trust you then she won't go home with you.

Stage 3: Filling a need Gifts, attention, or other signs of attraction are the hallmarks of this stage. This is also where negging is most effective as it apparently fills the need that such desirable women have to be taken down a peg.

Stage 4: Isolating the woman Remember! A special relationship is developing here!

Stage 5: Sexualizing the relationship Since that seems to be one of the key goals for our intrepid seducers.

Stage 6: Maintaining control or why be friends with benefits when you can be exclusive? "I don't think we can be friends, my interest in you is more than that.". Of course, this is often taken for being genuine.

A woman fends one off! Bonus - but don't worry! He wasn't cock-blocked for long.

A note on grammar: I use "she" because women are the primary target of PUA; where A can stand just as easily for 'Artistry' as it does for 'Abuse'

Thanks for the inspiration, littletiger!