Aloofness plays no part - it shows uninterest. If two people have gotten past the "I'm interested" stage and into a relationship, aloofness (especially if it is game) could then be the relationship-killer. When you really like a person attraction comes naturally For instance, this aloof person might be wanting to date a girl on the other side of the room. To her, he wouldn't be aloof. And I will find that a challenge if I already like him a bit. It's not called the mating game for nothing. We will use our feminine wiles or masculine charm or whatever to "get" him/her. If we just got everyone we liked without any effort, do you think it would be as exciting?

People do that anyway. A person should like you for you and not need persuasion through feminine wiles or masculine charm. When you really like a person, those things come out naturally. Your stance is like a child begging for attention..."Look at me, notice me" type of thing. It is not even needed if two people like each other and want to be together.

Why do so many relationships end?

Mating dances are very vivid. We all do it. Deliberately or not. But my dance has never included any deliberate aloofness. That is counterproductive! Why do so many relationships end? Because the challenge is lost for one or the other party. One person gets bored. If that is what you believe, fine. There are as many reasons why relationships end as there is relationships. Some can be quite complicated. We want what we can't have. When one person starts to become bored, the tendency is to distance themselves emotionally and/or physically.

Being bored is one reason. A few others are:

• Infidelity
  
  
• sexual dsyfunction
  
  
• health problems
  
  
• honesty to a fault (brutally blunt)
  
  
• dishonesty
  
  
• interference from outside influences (family, friends)
  
  
• dislikes the person once they discover more
  
  
• plus... people change!

Attractiveness is involved initially. Some people also take comfort in a person | being predictable and dependable. Yes. "Take comfort". It doesn't generate feelings of love though. Neither does being aloof. If you love someone for being aloof, you are going to have problems in the relationship. A similar analogy: If you work a job that is "challenging", it most likely provides opportunities for creativity, problem solving, and an opportunity to utilize some skill set. But if in that job you had to fight for every moment of peace, constantly be in "defense mode" due to an overbearing boss, and, on a daily basis, the onus is placed on you to come up with entertainment/stimulus for the rest of the employees, that type of "challenge" would be distressing. Ever heard the expression: we want what we can't have? It goes with: "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."

Critical factor in a relationship as it progresses

Attractiveness is involved initially. But it isn't as important further down the line. It is always important. Maybe not the most critical factor in a relationship as it progresses and the bond has formed. But maintaining your appeal/lust to your mate is a way to show him that you don't take him for granted and you want to be desireable to him -- and this works both ways.