You've tried everything to catch the eye of that cutie at the end of the bar, but he still hasn't come over to say hi. That's because according to "Screw Cupid: The Sassy Girl's Guide to Picking Up Hot Guys," the way to a man's heart is through his ego -- specifically, by stomping all over it.
The new book, by Samantha Scholfield, argues that years of rejection have conditioned guys to be wary of girls who seem to be giving a green light. Her solution? Make the moves yourself, and make sure you've got lots of neg-type tricks up your sleeves.
Here a few of the book's do's and don'ts to take you from pathetic to playa. Let us know what you think of them in the comments.
DO Play Hard to Get
Approaching a guy and saying hello may seem innocent to you, but Schofield says that, to him, you've broadcast your feelings, making him more likely to get intimidated and snub you. The book advises women to remain indifferent to the conversation, like you could take it or leave it.
"Neutral communication basically puts up a smokescreen that both parties can hide behind until they decide it's OK to show interest," says Scholfield. "It's a social tactic that creates natural, fun and easy conversation."
So how do you demonstrate your Swiss-like indifference? Ditch the flirtatious body language (smiling, catching his eye, giggling too loud) and do like you did in second grade: Ignore the boy. Don't look at him, only approach his area if you have a feasible reason for doing so (i.e., he's standing at the bar and you need a drink), and turn your body slightly away from him.
You want it to appear like he happens to be standing where you are -- not that you came over to be by him.
DON'T Buy Him a Drink
In real life (or at least in Scholfield's experience), offering to buy a dude a drink backfires because you seem desperate. Apparently, paying for a stranger's beer crosses the line from flirtatious behavior to weirdo aggressiveness. You're being too obvious about your interest in him.
Since you're totally neutral, you can start a conversation by asking him for information (like asking the time) or commenting on a shared experience. ("Did you just see that guy get kicked out of the bar? Some people can't handle their liquor!")
But don't put all your energy into memorizing a line -- the conversation will only flow if you're relaxed enough to make follow-up conversation that keeps the dialogue going.
If he doesn't bite or you keep getting one-word yes/no answers, move on.
DON'T Give Him Your Number
Scholfield suggests bypassing the wait-for-him-to-call step completely -- lock it down then and there! If a guy asks for your number, tell him that your phone is on the fritz and ask him what his week looks like. That way, you walk away with a date, not just a vague promise.
We were excited about the idea of (finally) a girls-take-charge dating guide, but the whole don't-seem-too-aggressive angle sounds more like "The Rules" than "The Game."
There are plenty of great points in "Screw Cupid," but we draw the line at the scripted openers, like asking why guys grunt at the gym or whether they think Angelina Jolie is hot. The act-uninterested/tease-him tactic is from the whole pick-up artist scene. Considering that we've actually called guys out for using these techniques (they turn bright red, btw), we can't really get behind throwing the same tricks at men.
Tell Us: Have you ever picked up a guy? What'd you do?
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Tuesday 25 August
By Lauren
While books like this might result in a few more dates, they DON'T result in lasting relationships. When women seek advice on dating, they're not looking for SOME guy, they're looking for THE guy. This is type of game playing leads to one of two outcomes: the guy getting tired and disappearing or YOU getting tired and losing all respect for anyone who would put up with this type of behavior. Being a decent and fun person will attract people from miles away!
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Wednesday 26 August
By dannyfrom504
very true lauren. everthing listed above would do nothing to pique my interest. just make eye contact and smile. if the guy doesn't approach, he's either clueless or uninterested. playing games never leads to anything meaningful.
Saturday 29 August
By catmanspup
I totally agree with you. I met my boyfriend in high school. He was a senior, and I was a junior. He graduated, got married and had kids. I never married or had children. Almost two years ago he called me. We had only seen each other once since the summer after he graduated. He remembered me from high school, and spent several years (after his divorce) trying to find me. Our personalities and senses of humor are very similar, and we always had a good time together. So he remembered me, and tracked me down after 28 years. He said he just wanted to talk to me, catch up and renew our friendship (we never dated in high school). But we've been together for almost two years, and are planning to get married. Being decent and joyful, having fun, and loving life really do pay off, when you least expect it!
Sunday 30 August
By LD
You're so right on. I'm so glad I already know this stuff. Though any girl who needs this article translated has to live an learn.
Wednesday 26 August
By Lauren
Dannyfrom504, it's nice to hear a male perspective on this. I've always wondered if guys thought these books were as horrible as I find books (and shows) on how to pick up women. My usual reaction is, "Really?...Really?" :-)
www.um-okay.blogspot.com
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Thursday 27 August
By Andrea
My opening line is "did you ever touch fake tits before" most of them say no then I let them touch my tits cause I just got them done and it leads to a nice conversation
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Saturday 29 August
By CeCe
Andrea, you have a lot to learn. What did you let them touch before you got your department store boobies?
Saturday 29 August
By K.J.
Andrea --
You're not ever going to get a man of substance that way! Right away any decent man is going to think you're just another cheap slut. You'll get lots of "feels" and you'll get laid but no man is going to take you seriously or even think of taking you to meet his family. If you're looking for a marriage proposal (I'm thinking you're not) you can forget that, too!
I bet your parents are sooooo proud of you! NOT!!!!
Saturday 29 August
By Marla
You're just a cheap whore!! Any man can get one of you. I bet it's a very lonely world out there for you, cause no man is going to give you the kind of deep intimate relationship and love we are looking for in marriage. I feel real sorry for you girls that have to use their FAKE boobs and non-sense to try to get a man. You'll never get a man's heart that way, only his dick.
Try having some self-worth and getting a man that way. REALLY!! You sound cheap and immature.
I honestly can't stand sluts!! And I would never hang out with someone like you, because I wouldn't want the man I was interested in thinking I had friends like you. I also wouldn't be able to trust you, and that's something extremely important in any relationship!! But, that's right, you wouldn't know anything about those, because of who you are.
Anyways, I just HAD to comment on your immature statement. I feel sorry for you girls out there. And hope one day you grow up (if you ever do) and are able to have the experience of Being In LOVE.
Good Luck To You.
Saturday 29 August
By Jesse
Tell me your a fake dude posting as a girl, or else I'd feel seriously sorry for you
Thursday 27 August
By dannyfrom504
lauren, i think the problem with these books (whether geared to men or women) is that it doesn't allow for the person to be themselves. i know as a man, approaching a women i'm attracted to is intimidating as hell. it really is hard for me to do; and i'm in my 30's. i think just saying hello and trying to strike up a conversation is the best thing you can do. if he/she is into it, it'll show. but games just lead to more games. as far as this article goes:
"DO Play Hard to Get" no, sorry, i'll think you aren't interested and go elsewhere.
"DON'T Buy Him a Drink" true. but i don't think i'd think too much into it.
"DO Have an Opener " sure. "hi i'm...." is just fine.
"DON'T Give Him Your Number" yes/no. if you can secure a date right then: great. but give him your number. he might need to talk with you.
just my 2 cents.
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Friday 28 August
By Kay
I honestly don't get what the deal is with the books. If your trying to be a player you probably already are one and don't need any more help. If your looking or at times not looking for a relationship it will happen just by being polite and having somethng in common. Not that that means you'll last but you'll at least be with just the one hopefully for 6 mnths maybe a few years.
I've never had a problem getting a guys interest when I want it. All I have to do sometimes is smile and he'll ask me for my number, not that they'll always use it (I call it his "ego enhancer") LOL. He's probably trying to see if he might still have it going on or he's just unable to keep up with things.
Anyway I'm certaintly not hot nor do I do the club scenes and I'm a single mom of 2 to boot. If I can get into one night stands or relationships when I want them anyone can. Of course having a lil personality helps.
TIP: *Hide your stalking side permanately ladies and men* It's not a pretty side anyone should have to put up with. Seek help when you find yourself calling your dates friends to see who they are on your third date!! LOL
Men do you all actually know how to date these days? (Not involving asking to sit on her couch for a movie, that screams I just want me some!) My dates are always fun but they always try to get into my home usually the first date maybe the second if they're really polite. Is it just whats expected these days or do many men just not know how to really date a real lady? I guess it probably comes down to a lil of both? Or maybe it means the men I'm dating are just really cheap and prefer a redbox movie over going to the theatres? Which is nice for maybe a third or fourth date but not what I want on the first two.
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Saturday 29 August
By hotrodqd
I disagree wtih this advice ...ignore me or disrespect me ....my opinion is already formed of you .....a stuck up witchy snob....(I'm immediately turned off ) and honestly why try to be something your not ? this adds to same old failures that can actually end relationships ......expecting a mate to read your mind ....head games....forget about it ...life's too short for head games.....tell me what you want tell me what you like & tell me what you need ! if you want my attention ! single & looking
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Saturday 29 August
By m
Danny-
I agree with you! Playing games WILL only lead to more games...as a female who has never technically "picked up" a guy, but definitely has some good experience in getting to know them, I would disagree with almost everything that this article says; first of all, if you buy a guy a drink, it's a really good way to gauge him: i.e., he has three options... (1) he can accept the drink, and say thank you, (2) he can say "no, please, allow me to get this one, what are you having?" or (3) he can simply decline the drink altogether. Judging from what he does in response to your generosity, that's a good way to figure out what kind of guy he is, and whether or not you're still interested.
I do agree with not giving out your phone number, but I do not agree that you should make a date right there on the spot...that can be dangerous, and you can put yourself in a very vulnerable position. Just get his number instead, wait a few days, and then YOU call him first. That'll show that you're interested and moderately aggressive, but not so much so that it comes off as "stalker-ish."
Lastly, I DO agree with the "opener" advice; however, it should be very casual, easy going, and not rehearsed. I like the idea about relating to a shared experience...but either way, if you're suave enough, you will DEFINITELY know what to say, how to say it, and immediately be able to tell whether or not he's interested from how he responds.
The guy I am currently dating met me in a bar, but he didn't do the traditional "pick up..." We were acquaintances years ago, and that's how we ended up talking. That makes it easier, but it was still felt as though I was talking to a stranger, as I hadn't seen him in 7-8 years, and didn't even know him well when we did know eachother. Now we're very happy, and things seem as though they couldn't be better. My advice to those crusing guys/girls in bars is this:
BE YOURSELF, BE CASUAL, AND DON'T GET DISCOURAGED IF SOMEONE ISN'T INTERESTED. IF HE WASN'T INTERESTED, THEN HE WASN'T WORTH YOUR TIME IN THE FIRST PLACE!
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Saturday 29 August
By Serg
I grew up in the era of sexual harassment seminars that pound men with the message that any compliment or comment by one towards another can be considered sexual harassment--regardless of intent--if "she perceives" it that way. Therefore, it is completely appropriate to approach a guy an show you are interested. The advice saying you should ignore a guy and ditch the body language is flat out wrong. If a guy is a nice and respectful he'll never approach a woman whose body language says, "Leave me alone."
Saturday 29 August
By Sugga
The books exists because someone is wanting to make some money. People will buy them so people write them. Bottom line.
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Saturday 29 August
By Sarenity
I was at the bar, feeling cocky, and there was a real hot guy standing by himself watching a male buddy dance with like 3 other girls. I winked from across the bar when I caught him looking at me and after about 10 minutes I strolled over. I just walked right up to his face and said "I noticed your not dancing, where is your girlfriend?" he said he didn't have one and I grabbed him to dance. We started dancing, made a date and spent a good 3 months together till I found something better!
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Saturday 29 August
By dmargareti
Sarenity, Now thats Cold I hope not typical
Saturday 29 August
By forthewomen
Not always true!! I met my husband of 20 yrs. by asking him to dance (after he'd been staring at me a while) and he turned out to be the love of my life. We were married 7 months later. (not pregnant) Guys can be just as intimidated as we women. True that you can be too nice. You have to make him spoil you as much as you spoil him. (He can spoil you more..haha)Lifes short, take chances and maybe you'll met your prince charming/ or princess!!
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Saturday 29 August
By emily morelli
Hey, I WROTE THIS BOOK, FIRST!!! ..and, suffice it to say, for me, it worked. [A celebrity, with an exciting & turbulent Life, here in Los Angeles.] I would also like to add, [especially to Andrea...My Huckleberry Friend], always, always, always... think with your heart. This article was only written to help you CONNECT with an outstanding man, who is the fetish of thousands. My final advise: "Always keep your Angel Lips". Now, my work is done.~~~~ Lovingly, Emily
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