How to Catch the Hard-To-Catch

The most desireable catches are afraid to be caught. For this reason, it is very important to make them think that you're not trying to trap them into a relationship. How is this done? My advice would be to try something along the lines of these 5 easy steps:
1) Go out on a few dates--do something fun, and don't try to impress them or compliment them too much in the beginning: if someone thinks you think they're wonderful before you really get to know them, they're going to think you're the type of person that likes to trap others into relationships.
2) Joke about how much you like dating, and mention that while you really like the other person, you want to make sure they're not the type that's looking for a "relationship."
3) Set some rules. Oh, rules can be so powerful! In this step you talk about the type of non-relationship you both would like your relationship to be, and then you create rules that will help you maintain such an arrangement. The beauty of this step is it lulls the other person into trusting that you are really quite serious about maintaining your freedom and allowing them to keep theirs.
One suggestion for a great rule would be: Don't ask, Don't tell; If you are going out with another person (or have been out with another person) I won't talk about it if you don't ask about it. This rule can help you have fun with other people without any guilt--and keeps both parties from trying to make the other person jealous.
4) Stick to the rules--especially as it starts to get difficult. As time goes by in your free and easy relationship, both of you will have to get to know the other person without the pressure of jumping into a "relationship." This is very powerful and may be a new experience for this person that is used to dating people that are usually trying to get him/her to commit early on in the game. As a result, good times seem to happen easier, because there is less pressure. If you are both compatible, not only will it become clear fairly quickly, but it will become difficult for the other person to want to hang out with anybody else. Now is the time to stick to your guns! If you sense that they are starting to be ready for more commitment, tout the wonderful benefits of the arrangement both of you have agreed to; comment about how much you like the rules, and then take a moment to watch for the reaction from the other person. If they appear uneasy, you are just where you want to be--but be careful; don't jump too soon: you want to wait for them to make the first "move." You may find it effective to start to say something interesting about your feelings, or something you did, and then stop yourself by mentioning that your "rules" don't allow for you to continue. You should also be sure to suddley invite them to an activitiy with you, and then retract it momentarily, making sure you're not "smothering" them or "cramping their style." Eventually they'll make it clear that they don't mind a little bit of "smothering."
5) Reveal the cracks in the foundation: after your soon-to-be sweetheart has silently demonstrated some level of discomfort with your rules that were once so wonderful, say something that gives a slight indication that you may not be happy with them either. The next time that they say they don't mind being "smothered" a little bit, mention that the rules prohibit such actions, followed by a quick remark that your only respit would be an alteration to the rules. This shows that you are still respectful of their "single" status, but you are not unwilling to involve more commitment in the relationship. This is a tricky time, and should be handled with care; make sure you read the other person very closely and let them make the first move--however, don't forget that a first move will generally not be made if the arrangement appears immutable (in other words, don't expect the other person to make the first move if you are going to appear immobile). (note to self: is immobile the right word here? or is it immutable? and if it's immobile, maybe i should just stick with the clarification sentence)

And there you have it: when the relationship no longer fits the rules, create new rules to help the new relationship blossom. If you follow these steps along the way, you'll find that both of you enjoy each other and your relationship more than if you'd pushed for committment before it was time. Commit early on to the freedom to choose freedom, and, assuming you're with the right person, you'll find together that commitment that takes time in the making, is better prepared to stand tall through its many tests.