I am engaged in a dance with life.  She is my dance partner.  Sometimes I step back and watch her dance alone.  

And so I approach life, my dance partner, not holding her too closely, not too tenderly.  Perhaps being polite and kind, but not really loving her.  Why should I totally love you, life?  You play games with me, and so I will play games with you.

But these are playful games, in good spirit and good fun.