Ever watch a cat play with a catnip mouse? They most certainly know it's not a real mouse, but that doesn't mean the game is any less fun. The game is the point: not the toy. Think of the game you're playing now with a certain someone in the same way, but be more humane. Convey the message to your 'toy' that it really is only a game: if for no other reason than to assuage your conscience when it ends.