It's The Little Things

I'm going to let the hapless male 'players' in on a little secret. The art of seducing a woman has everything to do with your choice of words and your execution. Becoming single again, and having a very low tolerance for wasted conversation (or general b.s. at all), I am incredibly attuned to the power of a strong pick-up line. Although a line is just a provisional means to an end, it can make or break an opportunity.

For example, let's take the following real-life introduction attempts from three different (but equally handsome) men and I'll explain who actually kept my attention in each scenario.

The status question

• First Guy: "Where is your boyfriend?" That has got to be the lamest question in the book. He's prying about my status so blatantly that it's almost...desperate.
• Second Guy: "Can I be your boyfriend?" Yes! Absolutely! I met you three minutes ago. Clearly, I have enough information about you to make such a committed decision.
• Third Guy: "Whoever gets to be with you is a very lucky man." Not bad. A little cheesy, but the difference here is that he a) doesn't assume anything about my status and b) leaves it in my court to offer him more information at my own discretion. Subtlety is key. Throw the bait of self-assured interest, and most women will bite.

The compliment

• First Guy: "You're hot." So is Chasey Lane, but she's a ho. The word 'hot' implies sexual desire, rather than appreciation for my natural physical comeliness.
• Second Guy: "You have a beautiful smile." Alright, that's seriously a nice compliment and I always say thank you. The problem here is that I hear that phrase from everyone, including my grandparents, my hairdresser and my cleaning service. Just like "You have beautiful eyes." It's not memorable.
• Third Guy: "I love your freckles, you must be Irish." The man who said that to me got a full hour of my time and my phone number. Given my tan, and the shape of my nose, I usually get asked if I'm Italian, Jewish, Spanish or Greek - never Irish. Thing was, he was dead on. Grandpa was red-headed and straight off the boat. The shock of a man picking up on that impressed me.

The close

• First Guy: "You'll have to give me your number, I want to call you." Nope, I don't haaaave to do anything. Too aggressive. Instead, I'll suggest that he write his on a napkin, which I'll use to hand off to the nearest bathroom attendant when he's gone.
• Second Guy: "I'd love to take you out this week." This works, sometimes; but only when the man is Eric Bana hot. Otherwise it oozes 'lack of other options.'
• Third Guy: "I've really enjoyed talking to you. I'd love to continue this conversation." Again, this type of close gives me opportunity to provide my number willingly before it is officially requested. Women much prefer the power of choice over obligation.