# Dating pickups that actually WORK **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 15, 2003, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914 "2003-04-15T17:50:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2003, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/21 "2003-04-16T05:53:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by greck \* > See the movie: “the tao of steve” > \*\* The movie Swingers is also pretty good and somewhat realistic (once you get past the L.A. nuevo-swing Big Bad VooDoo Daddy style of the “swingers” [the movie was during those 10 minutes in 1997 when swing dancing was popular]). Basically, the lesson of the movie is that if you are confident and relaxed, you’ll do much better than if you are uptight. They are just girls after all. There’s no need to approach them like you are interviewing for a job. ---
**Author:** ![Already\_in\_Use](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9adbd/32.png) [@Already\_in\_Use](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Already_in_Use)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2003, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/22 "2003-04-16T06:39:31Z")
Well, **Gundy** , I seem to recall that you once said that my line “Was your father Jehovah? Because you’re giving me a firmament…” would work on you. ---
**Author:** ![Lazlo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lazlo/32/9678_2.png) [@Lazlo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lazlo)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2003, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/23 "2003-04-16T07:36:37Z")
On a dare I once tried the cheesiest line ever: “Do you believe in love at first sight, or do you want me to walk by again?” Strangely enough, it worked. I stayed talking to her the rest of the night and we ended up leaving together. I’ve never tried it since because I want a 100% success rate with it. ---
**Author:** ![Margo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Margo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Margo)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2003, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/24 "2003-04-16T11:46:36Z")
I fell for this incredible stinker (but in my own defense I had been drinking…) What part of heaven did you fall from? Ick, could it be any worse? I cringe whenever I think that I actually let that line part my clothing from my body… Margo ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2003, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/25 "2003-04-16T15:54:12Z")
Oh, this works very well for me, “Do you have email?” They usually then say 'Yes, do you want it?" Then they write it down on paper for me. One time I said 'here is my email address, I expect an email from you tomorrow" & she said OK & I got one. ---
**Author:** ![Gundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Gundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gundy)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2003, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/26 "2003-04-16T18:24:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Already in Use \* > \*\*Well, **Gundy** , I seem to recall that you once said that my line “Was your father Jehovah? Because you’re giving me a firmament…” would work on you. \*\* I would sleep with you immediately. ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2003, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/27 "2003-04-16T22:36:59Z")
“I would sleep with you immediately.” Im trying to figure that one out. Are you talking about sex or that you would fall asleep out of boredom? ---
**Author:** ![Gundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Gundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gundy)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2003, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/28 "2003-04-16T23:42:53Z")
I’ll amend that for those who did not get the intention. I would have hot sweaty sex with him immediately. ---
**Author:** ![Already\_in\_Use](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9adbd/32.png) [@Already\_in\_Use](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Already_in_Use)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2003, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/29 "2003-04-17T02:24:22Z")
I tried to think of a witty response, I really did. But my brain just liquefied. ---
**Author:** ![Michael\_Ellis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/977dab/32.png) [@Michael\_Ellis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_Ellis)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2003, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/30 "2003-04-17T02:27:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Already in Use \* > \*\*I tried to think of a witty response, I really did. But my brain just liquefied. \*\* Worst. Pickup line. Ever. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crankyasanoldman/32/11670_2.png) [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrankyAsAnOldMan)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2003, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/31 "2003-04-17T03:08:09Z")
What works for me is a “safe” way to take it to the next level. Like having email as a way to contact someone. Or asking me out for coffee instead of an evening date. Or inviting me to a come to a party next weekend (not as his date, but as one of many guests). One guy I’d met in a bar one Saturday night even asked me to go to Easter services with him the next morning at the children’s home where he was a residential counselor. It totally worked. I mean, what kind of sleazy dirtbag is going to take you to Easter services? Exactly, someone who isn’t a sleazebag at all. I realize that would make some people run like hell. It charmed my socks off. Later, my panties. ---
**Author:** ![guava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/71e660/32.png) [@guava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guava)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2003, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/32 "2003-04-17T09:43:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by handy \* > \*\*One time I said 'here is my email address, I expect an email from you tomorrow" & she said OK & I got one. \*\* We have a winner. I am a big sucker for supreme confidence. I hate to admit the lame line that hooked me, but here goes: I was sitting around casually with a bunch of people in a common area with chairs and couches. We all came from different schools, had just met each other. I said, to no one in particular “I’m cold.” so the guy across from me says “Why don’t you come over here and lie down next to me?” I married him seven years later. ---
**Author:** ![MSU\_1978](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac8455/32.png) [@MSU\_1978](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MSU_1978)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2003, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/33 "2003-04-17T11:36:53Z")
For me, the best dating pickup would be a red Dodge Ram. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/d26b3c/32.png) [@UncleBill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBill)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2003, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/34 "2003-04-17T11:45:47Z")
“Want to go for a weekend in Key West?” A LOT easier if you actually LIVE around Key West. ---
**Author:** ![Gundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Gundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gundy)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2003, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/35 "2003-04-17T13:44:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Already in Use \* > \*\*I tried to think of a witty response, I really did. But my brain just liquefied. \*\* That’s okay…it happens to every guy sometimes…::pat, pat:: ---
**Author:** ![sivispacem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b19c9b/32.png) [@sivispacem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sivispacem)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2003, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/36 "2003-04-17T13:59:15Z")
Casually approach the girl as if you’re about to ask the time, and then hit her with, “excuse me… but about how much should a polar bear weigh?” After a few moments of her being puzzled, “enough to break the ice! Hi I’m (your name here).” And unless she’s got no personality (wouldn’t want to talk to her anyways) you’ll get a laugh out of her and have your in. You’ll use it. ---
**Author:** ![Llama\_Llogophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2003, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/37 "2003-04-17T15:13:39Z")
A friend of a friend used this one: Holding up a dollar bill he would approach an attractive woman and say, “I’ll bet you a dollar I can touch your breast without you knowing it.” She would snort incredulously. He would then reach out, grab her breast and say, “I lose,” and hand her the dollar. 99% of the time he got slapped. But the one girl in a hundred who **didn’t** slap him giggled and later ended up in his bed. ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2003, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/38 "2003-04-17T15:24:50Z")
“That’s okay…it happens to every guy sometimes…” You mean when they unzip their pants their brain falls out? "99% of the time he got slapped. " So he has tried this on 100 women? It’s just a variation of a real old idea, 'I bet you ten cents I can kiss you without touching you" Then you kiss her & give her the ten cents. A friend who has fallen for this said its now up to a quarter. ---
**Author:** ![Judith\_Prietht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b19c9b/32.png) [@Judith\_Prietht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Judith_Prietht)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2003, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/39 "2003-04-17T16:24:43Z")
These are relatively boring, but all have resulted in some degree of what the kids call “action,” so do with my anecdotes what you will. 1. If I’m sitting at the bar (and I usually am) and you want to talk to me, sidle up and order a drink from the barkeep. While waiting for the drink, say hi and perhaps “how are you?” Elemental stuff, to be sure. But I’m the kind of person who’ll pursue some avenue of conversation if I like the way you speak/smell/look/tip/whatever. So we’ll probably start talking. Then you have the option of going back to wherever you were sitting if things don’t work out, or pulling up a stool or some bartop if we’re hitting it off. 2. One fine afternoon in early summer I set out for Tower Records to buy some CDs. I spent some time browsing about, and after making my purchases I started walking home. I was about halfway home when a guy came up behind me and said," Excuse me. I saw you in Tower and I thought you were beautiful. If you don’t have a husband or a boyfriend I’d really like to take you out sometime." I had neither and we strolled into the nearest convenience store and exchanged numbers. He called, and we went out a couple of times. I actually regret not keeping in touch with him because he was really cool, and the last time we scheduled a date was September 11, 2001. We didn’t make it. ☹ 3. This one is brand spanking new. As last call was announced yesterday evening, a guy I know and had been talking to put an arm around me and said, “Soooo . . . you wanna get naked later?” I suppose the bottom line is, simply, honesty. ---
**Author:** ![Daniel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Daniel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daniel)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2003, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914/40 "2003-04-17T22:48:49Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by sivispacem \* > \*\*Casually approach the girl as if you’re about to ask the time, and then hit her with, “excuse me… but about how much should a polar bear weigh?” After a few moments of her being puzzled, “enough to break the ice! Hi I’m (your name here).” And unless she’s got no personality (wouldn’t want to talk to her anyways) you’ll get a laugh out of her and have your in. You’ll use it. \*\* That’s awesome! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-pickups-that-actually-work/168914.md?page=3)