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The Experts Opinions-How to Start Off that Conversation for The First Time orAdmit it: While your friends are speed-dating – moving much too fast to beappropriately depressed over one unfulfilling one-night stand after another – you’re a hopeless romantic who believes in “happily ever after.” You’ve already figured out that finding your soul mate takes time and hard work. What you haven’t learned is how to create the right opportunities. “Expecting that, someday soon, a hunk-a-chunk-a-burnin’-love will fall from the sky into your martini glass is human nature, so congrats on being human,” says Southern California humorist Laurie Frankel, author of “It's Not Me...It's You!” If You’re the Shy Type… Initiating first contact may feel daunting if you’re already antsy at a crowded party or dissecting a total stranger’s profile at an online dating site. Fear not, say the experts. There are foolproof ways to break the ice, without resorting to tawdry pickup lines or tripping over your tongue. Instead of the overt “walk up and ask him/her out” approach, start with a series of short, low-key conversations, advises Dr. Rachna D. Jain, a practicing psychologist and professional relationship coach in Columbia, Maryland. “Talk about activities you are planning, which you might invite the other person to participate in,” she tells AdamandDrew.com. “For example: ‘Bob, did you know there is a great movie coming to the local theater? Do you ever see movies there? What do you think about the place..?’ Then, maybe the next day, follow up with: ‘Bob, I decided to go and see that movie – was planning to go on Sunday. Any chance you'd be free to go with me?’" Dr. Jain calls this “warming them up” – checking to see if potential dates are interested before taking the full-frontal risk of asking them out. Group events may be a more comfortable prospect if you want to delay intimacy. “Keep the focus on doing some activity together, rather than planning a date where there is nothing else to do but sit and talk,” Dr. Jain says. (Example: “Sarah, my softball team is playing a game on Friday night and then going out for pizza. Would you want to come and watch the game and then go out with us for something to eat afterward?”) Just for Women If you prefer the notion of a man making the first move, you can help him along by nonverbally inviting him to approach you. It takes three simple steps, according to Dr. Jain: - Show interest. - Give him the opening. - Accept the opportunity. “Show interest by looking at him and smiling, and then slowly looking away,” she says. “You can hold yourself slightly away and apart from the conversation you’re in, and give him an opening to come up to talk to you. You can break free of your group of friends to give him a chance to approach you. Good eye contact, smiling widely and facing him directly will show your interest.” Once he approaches, accept the opportunity to speak. Stay calm, open and interested – even if you feel shy or are tempted to turn away. Initiating contact isn’t much different. “First, see if you can get him to talk to you,” Dr. Jain says. “If that doesn’t work, wait for an opening to go up to him. A good way to open a conversation is: ‘I don't think we’ve met yet. Hi, I’m ___,’ – and put your hand out for him to shake. Most men will respond positively, and you can gauge his interest from there.” Just for Men To show interest in a woman, use your eyes to your advantage. “Start by catching her eye and smiling,” Dr. Jain recommends. “If she seems interested – catches your eye, smiles, seems open – you can go up to her and say the same thing: ‘Hi, I don't think we've met yet. I'm ___’ – and continue from there.” It helps to understand how a woman thinks. She will usually make the first move under two conditions, according to Dr. Jain: - You’re standing alone. - You’re standing next to one of her friends. “So, if you want to give a woman the opening to speak with you, break away from the crowd or group periodically to give her a chance to come up to you,” she says. “You might also try going up to one of your mutual friends to see if he or she might introduce you or smooth the way for a conversation.” If There’s No Chemistry… Once you initiate contact, be prepared for a welcome reception – or the brush-off. “The first few minutes of contact are always delicate and should be treated gently, even if there is no interest on both sides,” Dr. Jain says. “At least be kind.” Frankel compares the experience to shopping for clothes. “Some things look great on the hanger or good on others, but when you actually try them on they look hideous on you,” she tells AdamandDrew.com. “Your bootylicious butt is about to split the seam or your less-than-endowed bust is letting you – and your neckline – down. Personal style is all about finding what's right, which requires exposure to a wide variety of ‘fashions.’ “Chalk it up to experience, and then get shopping again! A salesperson at a very prominent jeans store once told me women try on 15 pairs of jeans for every one pair they buy. So, start getting in and out of your ‘pants,’ and assume a similar ratio for finding compatibility and love!” About the author: Adam and Drew's Dating Tips has a large variety of free articles that have been written by consulting 'experts' in the dating, flirting and relationship fields. Find out more at http://www.adamanddrew.com Circulated by Article Emporium
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