too many steps decreases probability of a date

guy and girl wants to date each other 

interest is mutual 

if they go on a date together, they both benefit 

but probability decreases that they will go on a date if they use social strategies against each other,

if she looks at other guy and he ignores her, that's two steps 

if he initiates contact with her and she pretends not to be interested, that's two more steps

even if steps are done fast, it's still many steps