‘What is your favourite pizza topping?’
A recent study of 22-45 year olds found that when you meet someone the opening line really matters. Psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman comments, ‘The most successful lines were ones which were impossible to answer with a simple yes or no, such as “What’s your favourite pizza topping?”

Tried and tested
Try to avoid the corny and be natural. It’s nice to hear a compliment. It’s even nicer when someone laughs at your jokes or makes you laugh. Here’s a selection of lines that my colleagues have either tried or heard – with varied amounts of success.

• Don’t I know you? No, honestly, you look so familiar. I’m sure I know you. Did you used to work for Debenhams? Have you ever been to Paris?
• My mate fancies you. Oh, okay, no they don’t. In fact, I haven’t even got a mate. Yes, when I said ‘mate’, I meant ‘me’.
• Do you come here often?
• I like your beard.
• Was your Dad a thief? Coz he stole the stars and put them in your eyes.
• How much does a polar bear weigh? I don’t know but it breaks the ice.

Recent ones they’ve had tried on them:

• How’s your fish and chips?
• You smell nice.
• You’ve got a pretty skirt, do you want to go for coffee.

Dishonesty is not the best policy
Exaggeration is very tempting whilst chatting up someone you fancy. Unfortunately, telling fibs can soon get out of hand. Sam was chatting up a very pretty girl on a ski holiday. She seemed interested in Sam and asked him what he did for a living. Sam replied that he played football – not wholly untrue as he is a good footballer. The girl replied ‘Oh, who do you play for?’ Sam stretched the truth a little too far by claiming that he played for West Ham United. Sadly for Sam, the girl was a West Ham fan and saw straight through his lie. She refused to speak to him again.

Love text
Mobile phones and emails have helped people in the UK to be more confident in approaching potential partners. According to the Intel Digital Lifestyle Report, almost one in five of the 1,000 18-65 year olds asked, said using new technology helped them make the first move in the dating game.

The best advice anyone can give is to avoid being corny and lying and just be yourself. Good luck.

Little Frank and Bernie
February 2007

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