Opening Lines

I know all the self-help books & gurus will tell you to HAVE A GOOD OPENING LINE! This is true. You'll only have a minute or less to make that first impression. However, DO NOT use a trite worn out cliche or a one size fits all line. Remember phoniness is readable. ("Do you come here often? What's a beautiful woman like you doing alone?" etc.) Unless you look like George Clooney or Matthew McConaughey, pick up lines rarely work. The following are some suggestions that will work, IF THE CHEMISTRY IS RIGHT.

DISARM US WITH HUMOR! When women are polled about what attracts them to a man, among the top 3 is always a sense of humor. Getting us to laugh right off the bat, is a great ice breaker. & Self-deprecation can be rather charming. One of my favorite opening lines occured in a parking lot, when I couldn't find my car. I said to my friend something to the effect of, "Now where did the car go?" To which a man piped up, "I swear I didn't steal it!" (Coupled with a rapid fire delivery we both laughed.) & then he helped us find it. Shortly after that he became my lover (& we remain friends to this day).

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SURROUNDINGS & MAKE AN OBSERVATION about someone, something or us. It will make us believe that you are a thinking, observant man.

We knock ourselves out to look good... NOTICE! Compliment our hair, our clothing, shoes, our smile; but not our tits or tush. (That objectifies & makes us think you're a perv.)

Find a way to connect that is natural to you. If you're shy, that can be very endearing.

If you are in an establishment where beverages are served, offer to buy her a drink, coffee, juice.

The art of the meet is a SKILL. It takes practice. Don't be discouraged if you get shot down. It's a numbers game. I am convinced that you'll connect with the girl you are supposed to meet. In the next column I will give you some specific examples of these rules in action.