I shall define "sweet-talker" as "a man who will offer half-truths and over-the-top validation in order to achieve, maintain or get/do what he wants in a relationship." ....
.... Instead of getting all righteously indignant, I can just be the girl who pretends to still believe in Santa Claus in order to get more toys. I'll just climb up on faux-Santa's lap and listen to his story like a bunny-eyed innocent 'cause all I really want is the cuddle and the candy cane anyways.
So interesting, the different perspectives available on this simple scenario. I don't get "supplicating" at all. More like, "Sweet dumb little bunkey, she can't tell the difference between the CZ and the diamond; hey, whatever works!" I can totally see why from your stated perspective above that works ok for you, given that you're not fooled and still getting what *you* want out of it .... but there is still an implied lack of respect there, IMHO. I would imagine that candy cane might well turn to coal pretty quickly in a serious long-term relationship, if that's what you're contemplating.
I guess it kind of depends on the dynamic, too. If he starts spouting that stuff and you turn to him and say the substance of "I'm getting my pink wellies, 'cause that's the biggest load of horse manure I ever heard" and he turns back to you with a big "Yeah, ya caught me" grin and/or rejoinder .... then it's just a game, nobody's fooling anybody and everybody knows it; no harm no foul. If on the other hand, he actually thinks he is able to successfully manipulate you with the sweet talk, that doesn't say too much about his assessment of your character, does it?
"Show me a completely smooth operation and I'll show you someone who's covering mistakes. Real boats rock." -- Frank Herbert
