Treat 'em mean...

[country_boy]

Why does treat 'em mean keep 'em keen?

[kags]

Possibly because some people seem to "enjoy" the kind of relationship where they never quite feel secure, maybe they like the feeling you get at the start of a relationship, where you are not quite sure of the other person. By "treating them mean" then, you are not giving them any grounds to feel confident and secure in the relationship, so they won't become complacent and stop making an effort. There is a big difference between being mean to someone and retaining a slight air of mystery though, and I hope the phrase is largely used as a euphemism for the latter!

[Greedyfly]

I like the chase - its fun. Although I enjoy making them chase rather than chasing myself.

[woofgang]

It means that you have been listening to an idiot

[PurplePixie]

Treat ME mean & I'll bash you in the chops.

[secretspirit]

Some people love a challenge and if they think you're too keen or nice they lose interest. They're probably not really worth being with anyway though!

[sazzle.pink]

It basically means Opposites Attracts. A nice guy always gets the bad girl and Vice Versa. The treat em mean, keep em keen method has always worked. Nobody likes a push over of a boyfriend/girlfried. There's just no challenge in that!

[TheBrad]

That's the funniest answer I've seen PurplePixie. Definately wouldn't want to get on wrong side of you.

[Calvesy]

It means don't let her know that you're a smitten softy marshmallow boy next door, but make her believe that you're a disinterested, mysogynistic chauvenistic crude dishevelled borderline psycho with a gamut of antisocial vices. This is what women find attractive. WARNING! In some men this is not an act. Maybe all.