Hiker said:
It's an ego thing.
Whether you like someone or not, if they like you, it feels good. An ego boost.
As well as wanting the upper-hand; doing the decision-making; being the ones to defriend them (when their services are no longer required, as they see fit); keeping them as a back-up or SO without benefits (or using them for other means)... Basically, having their way, and calling all the shots - knowing that the other party is still interested (and wanting to keep it that way)... Then they cry foul, use guilt trips, make the other party seem like the jerks, etc - when they're the selfish / unfair ones with ulterior motives.
Basically all it is. They don't take the other person's feelings into consideration - because they don't CARE. But when they can't get away with being selfish - even in leiu of this - they have a ****fit.
It's not because they care so much about them, and don't want to lose their friendship. The friendship will end up being fake and one-sided, anyway. They're just spoiled and selfish... and probably controlling. Everyone likes attention; to be admired and wanted. Even though they don't want to continue dating - they don't want the other party to lose interest, OR to move onto someone else before they're well-established / in a committed relationship with someone else first. Just because they break up - doesn't mean they want the other person to hook up with others (even if they do). Plus keeping them around incase things fall through with others, or they change their minds. Always wanting options available, and what not.
