One measure of the validity of a theory is its ability to predict outcomes when applied to new samples.

  I initially read the ladder theory years ago. Human behavior is much more varied and in, at least. some ways harder to measure than, for example, a chemical reaction. So its a bit blurry as to how much any theory can predict human behavior.

  So within the fuzzy limits of our ability to measure human response, it has been my experience that at some level the ladder theory does tend to predict male - female interaction.

  One interesting consequence seems to be that women who perceive themselves to be of similar desirability can alter the ladder and position on that ladder that they each assign to men that they mutually know. To put it more simply a woman's perception of a mans desirability is influenced by her female friends, to such a degree that it can cause her to make a ladder change.

  Thus if you are firmly the "friend" or "never" ladder of a woman whom you desire, your best strategy MAY be to seduce and please one or more friends close to her other than her best friend. Realize that this may well get you booted from the friend ladder, but once off that ladder you are eligible for the "potential" ladder. In essence your success in gaining a positive response from her friends, cause her to take a second look.

-J

The LT explains how some women operate but is too simplistic in trying to jam the entire 'fair' sex into one category.  Same with the guys.  I ended with my SO after being in the 'friends' category for quite some time.  That was both of our choices as I didn't fuck my female friends when I was single.  Mainly because I didn't want a fling to ruin a friendship.  Of course no attraction was a part of it but I had a few really hot friends I was able to keep on a platonic level

I've heard this theory before... I think it's pure crap.

In my civvie experience (which is extensive cuz I date a lot- especially when I'm not currently advertising like now) the ladder theory has many holes in it.

Yes, when my friends n I meet a man, he's evaluated INSTANTLY and deemed either friend material or bf material. However, there have been many cases where friends become bf later. If you get to know a guy and he's cute, he's cool, he's sensitive, fun, etc... he has huge potential. I spent a year hanging with this one guy who was one of my best friends. Once I made him over and taught him how to dress, he became that much hotter to me. Then, he started coming out with me in my scene and became the MAN socially, which is also very appealing to me. Suddenly, the hottest chicks in my group of friends were lining up to date this guy. It was crazy how it happened, but it happened nonetheless and he jumped ladders so to speak.

There is hope fellas...