Compliments can take any date
type situation to another level as long as the words of
kindness are coming from a completely genuine place. And trust
me, people can smell a shallow compliment from a mile away.
Also, even if you mean the compliment it could not necessarily
sound like one if you talk about something that person is
probably self-conscious about. For example: “Your bald spot is
really well shaped.” or “You have nice ankles. They look
really stable.” Are not going to get the reaction you’re
hoping for even if they are true, and you mean them.
To be on the safe side, I’m
going to give you some areas of flattery you should stick to
when just getting to know someone. Complimenting someone’s
hair is always a safe bet if you stick to things like how
thick, wavy, shiny, curly, or healthy it is. Beware of
touching hair without asking, which could tick off someone who
spends a lot of time on their frock. You can also compliment
on cut and color, just avoid using the words “die” or
“unusual.”
Eyes are another sure thing
that everyone likes hearing that they have nice ones. The key
to complimenting eyes well is to go beyond color and become
more descriptive, such as telling them they have warm,
engaging, bright, expressive, laughing, or sympathetic eyes.
You might want to avoid, “you have sexy eyes” until after the
first date. Skin is also good if you notice that it is well
taken care of. Hell, if you like the way something looks, just
tell them and be descriptive so that they understand exactly
the beauty you see in it. Like if you like what their mouth
does when they smile or how shiny their teeth are…tell them!
A good thing to remember when
making the first move is to have an air of vulnerability
without even coming near coming of as spineless. You can do
this simply enough by asking for directions, help, or for
their opinion, which is a form of a compliment because must
you value what they think or you wouldn’t ask. Along the lines
of being honest is telling them that you are a little nervous
because you think their so great. Once is enough though, more
than that will turn you from vulnerable to just plain anxiety
ridden, which could make them just as nervous. You can also
reveal that you don’t normally approach people but something
about them makes it a moot point. If you do normally approach
people, and they have probably seen you play the same line to
four other people, don’t tell them you don’t. Liars aren’t
ever cool, no matter how well they play the non-threatening
card.
Stay away from any sort of
stereotypical sounding pick-up lines. Worse than being sleazy
they scream lack of originality, which is an instant turn-off
for 96% of the population. Your best bet is to focus on the
situation on hand and what you are feeling at the moment. For
example, “I’m sorry, I had to come over here because your
smile was keeping me from being able to concentrate on my
friends’ conversation.” is way better than, “Do I know you?”
The main thing to keep in mind when using an ice breaking line
is that is made to open up a conversation, not to get you laid
that night. Lines that reek “will you have sex with me” will
send someone running faster than if you deliberately poured
cranberry juice on them.