An interesting and enlightening article from LeBlanc. Read on for some important tips.
You pick me up at 8, and it’s game on.
I want you to win. But I fear failure.
Yours. Mine. Ours.
In the court of dating and mating, women are judge and jury, but the testimony we hear—mostly from our hearts, but also from our Greek chorus of girlfriends—will all take place out of your earshot. The rules are unwritten (until now), but they are set in stone. Give us a really good reason, however, and we’ll toss the tablets aside, along with most of our clothing and inhibitions. That’s because we want you, the right guy, to make the decision easy for us: not guilty by reason of insanity (i.e., crazy in love).
We hear every message you send—intentional or not. So your attitude is nearly everything. We want you to show a certain degree of eagerness, but not desperation. We want you to believe in yourself and demonstrate why we should believe in you, too. We want you to be spontaneous, but also a man we can count on.
Sound like a lot to ask?
It should be, because this is the process whereby we’ll choose a mate for life. Yes, the burden of proof is on you, but we’re looking for the case of a lifetime.
Ready to go? Here’s how to clear all objections, from the best counselors I know: the single, the available, the hotties who’ve been waiting for you to come along.
So, see you at 8?
Watch the Signals
I’ve already sent you the Zoolander eye lock, the eyebrow raise, and/or at least two smiles (full, open-lipped, teeth smiles). Come over here and talk to me already. Caveat: There’s a small chance I just think you’re funny looking, but go ahead, have some balls. I’m worth it.
Convince Me Quickly
Once you have the green light, it doesn’t matter what you say first. You now have 5 minutes to convince me to keep talking. Make the most of it.
Give Me a Reason
If you want my number, say something simple and direct. “You’re fun. Can I give you a call?” works. Pound the number into your cell phone, or borrow a pen from the bartender. (It’s your job; you’re doing the asking.)
Ask, Don’t “E” Me
Don’t be a wuss. If you want to see me, pick up the phone. E-mails can wait for later.
Obey the 2-Day Rule
A Man Plans Ahead
If you want to see me this weekend, call me by Thursday, please.
Don’t Ask Me to Hang Out
When you ask me to “hang out” and it’s just the two of us and you don’t have a girlfriend (or boyfriend), I assume it’s a date. To avoid confusion, say, “I’d like to take you out” instead of, “Wanna hang out?”
Know When to Quit
If you call me twice and get no callback, game over. Don’t keep calling, e-mailing, or sending flowers. In Meg Ryan movies, or when Keanu Reeves performs them, these gestures say “bold romantic.” In reality, when you do them, they say “stalker.”
Good luck, and let us know how you fared.
