Lemondrop

It can be nerve-wracking to start a conversation with a stranger -- get a little self-conscious, and suddenly your game is more Steve Urkel than Steve Ward.

But you don't have to broadcast that you're on the prowl to chat up a cutie. These foolproof icebreakers seem innocent or, better yet, entice the dude to do the work. They'll help you meet any guy, so you can speed right to worrying about what to say on your date.

1. Say Cheese
This is why you should have a digital camera on you at all times. Grab it, a wingwoman, and head over to your target. Fake an apologetic smile and say, "Sorry, but do you mind taking our photo? We haven't seen each other in ages."

Unless he's a total douche, he'll say yes. And if he suggests poses, pauses to look at the photos, or offers to take another one ... he's keen and the conversation's already flowing.

2. The Blow Job
Next time you and your friend are chilling at the park, blow some bubbles in the general direction of any hot fellas passing by. It's quirky, it's magical, and chances are people will stop to comment--or maybe even have a puff themselves.

3. Hoop Dreams
A hula hoop is a wonderful thing to own: fun, silly, a great ab workout and inexplicably sexy. If you're meeting pals in the park, grab your hoop and give it a whirl. Like the bubbles, your gyrating hips invite comments and participation. Bonus: getting to see that foxy stranger's pelvis in action.

4. Truth or Dare
On your next girls' night out, give each girl a few slips of paper and have her write a dare on each one. Toss them in a Ziploc bag for later, when you take turns drawing dares.

A few starter ideas: Kiss a bald guy on the head, lick someone's tattoo, buy a guy a drink. Just explain that it's a dare and most guys probably want in on the action.

5. Dress Up
Why wait for October to get costume-worthy attention? Don a pair of bunny ears, an Oddjob-style bowler, or Madonna-style lace gloves. Guys will be intrigued and want to know your deal. Just make it clear that it's a special occasion, not that you go around wearing a fake moustache.

6. The "You Won't Believe What Just Happened to Me"
Hurriedly flounce into your favorite low-key bar, plop down at the bar, and take a deep breath. When someone asks what's wrong or comes to take your order, say, "I just had the worst date ever/dumped my boyfriend/got a promotion/got kissed by a drunk old man on the street," and then ask for a drink recommendation to help you celebrate/erase the memory.

True story: I once used the breakup story and got a free drink AND two phone numbers.

Tell Us: What's your go-to icebreaker with guys?