Advice for Chronic Pick-Up Line Users
Use Conversations Starters Instead of Lines to Meet People
“Hey baby, what's your sign?" is so 1975. Worse yet, it doesn’t work. Try a non-cheesy pickup line instead; approaching strangers is easier than it seems.
"Pick-Up Lines that Should Not be Used"
If one (or more) of these “lines” seems like a good idea, think again.
- What’s your sign?
- If I said you had a beautiful body, would you hold it against me?
- Your place or mine?
- What you gonna do with all that ___ in your jeans?
- I have a huge...apartment...would you like to see?
- Are you a model?
- All those curves and me with no brakes…
- What kind of car did you drive here in?
- So...you look like you make a lot of money...
Expert Conversation Starters that Work
eHarmony is an online matchmaking site backed up by the knowledge and experience of psychiatrists and psychologists. Professionals work there and it matters; clients get real results. The staff at eHarmony has a lot of advice on the subject of approaching people.
Remember that the goal isn’t to deliver a “line.” That usually strikes out. Keep actual “lines” to a minimum.
Instead, make an effort to be spontaneous and respectful. It can be difficult to think quickly in an individual setting, so have a few basic starters ready at all times. The following ideas are all eHarmony approved.
- Are you Mary Jane?
Shared history makes approaching someone very easy. If it doesn’t exist, simply pretend that it does.
Pick a name, approach the person of interest, and ask, “Excuse me, but are you Mary Jane (or insert another name here)?” When a reply is given, try to read whether the individual is interested or annoyed.
If the opportunity presents itself, follow up with, “Wow, you look just like someone I work with” or “Wow, you look just like a girl/guy from my math class.”
- Don’t I Know You From the Fitness Club?
Assuming familiarity is a perfect, nonthreatening way to approach someone, and if you base a question in reality, following up on it is simple. Use the topic as a hook to keep the conversation going.
If pastimes aren’t appropriate, ask about visiting a specific place, a particular movie, or a museum. Make sure to pick something that’s familiar so that the conversation keeps flowing.
- Those are Stunning Earrings. Where Did You Get Them?
Most pickup lines are too generic and can clearly be directed at anyone. So to start up some dialogue, ask about something specific. This could be hair color, coat, jewelry, etc.
Commenting on something directly related to a person lets it be known that there's another random pick-up line barrage victim. Instead, the goal is to flatter the intended.
- Is that a Good Book?
Props make for wonderful chit-chat. Pets are famous for bringing people together.
If the person is reading a book or listening to an iPod, it’s an opportunity to ask a literature or music question.
- Let Me Buy You a Drink?
Some good old standbys do work. “Can I buy you a drink?” or “Hi, my name is…” may not be clever, but they are direct and genuine. Be polite and always take "no" for an answer.
All’s Well that Ends Well
Rejection hurts, but it only hurts pride. The worst that can happen is that someone isn’t interested; if that's the case, be gentile and walk away. However, the best case scenario is always a possibility, and that’s enough motivation for most singles.
Nice Setting for a Conversation
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