The Science of Mating

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Puffer fishes in nature make their bodies larger and become spiky when facing a potential threat.

Puffer-fishing in dating is when a person pushes back once things get closer.

Open, respectful, and non-judgmental communication is key when dealing with puffer-fishing in dating.

There could be something fishy about the following situation: Say you are getting closer and closer to someone, and that person dramatically changes his or her behavior. For example, he or she abruptly becomes less and less available, more and more critical, and more and more confusing in general. Well, that person could be doing what's become known as "puffer-fishing."

What Does a Real Puffer Fish Do?

This dating term grew from what a real puffer fish does when sensing danger. The puffer fish is normally quite docile and playful—a bit SpongeBob SquarePantsy. However, when there's a possible threat around, the puffer fish literally goes, "Gulp"—gulping in enough water to swell its flexible body to two or three times its normal size. This swelling will, at the same time, cause sharp spines on the puffer fish's body to jut out, creating a not-so-swell situation for predators who want to eat and swallow the puffer fish.

What Is Puffer Fishing in Dating?

Puffer-fishing in........

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