This month’s topic: Pick-up lines. No, not the usual, “Haven’t we met somewhere before?” lines, but the real ones. Those lines that you wish later you had handled differently.
People meet at the most unexpected times; at the bank, walking the dog, shopping for groceries, etc. We see someone we’re attracted to, our heart rate goes up and we summon up the courage to make that long, nerve-wracking walk towards our object of desire. But what do we say? It’s not like we have our wallets filled with all-occasion one-liners. And there’s usually no time to practice in front of the mirror. It’s now or never. For people our age, it’s a bit more challenging. We’re all from the old school. The woman smiles, and the man does the walking (hopefully towards us!).
So here’s my story. Last month I went to Barnes and Noble looking for a magazine. I was on my fifth trip looking for a magazine, so I completely disregarded my own rules: I entered the store without checking out my surroundings. I made no eye contact at all. I was focused and determined. I went straight to the magazine rack, squatted down and started searching. Almost immediately a gentleman squatted near me. I glanced in his direction to make sure I wasn’t in his way. No lingering eye contact. No coyish smile. Nothing. But he spoke anyway. “Do you know that you’re breathtaking?” I was hoping he was speaking to me. I glanced his way. He was smiling, staring right at me. A quick assessment revealed a handsome man, neat in appearance, nice smile, close to my age. All systems go.
I became acutely aware of my surroundings. There was a young woman behind us looking at magazines. I could see her head turn slightly, obviously fighting the urge to turn and see what this man’s idea of breathtaking was. Embarrassed, I smiled at my admirer and asked, “Me?” He continued, “Absolutely stunning.” Well, that certainly took my breath away!
Here are the questions: If you were me, what would you have done and/or said? What should he have done next, if anything?
I really, truly was taken aback. I reprimanded myself later for not responding differently. The only thing that came out of my mouth was, “Thank you.” (But I managed to say it twice!) Then there was silence. He stood up and either answered his phone or made a call, I don’t recall which. I continued my magazine search. After several minutes I walked, very slowly, to my car. He didn’t follow. Should he have? How much bravado should one muster in order to meet someone new? At which point do you cross the line and appear too pushy? Was his intention only to compliment, or does he wish he had handed me a business card and asked me to call? And what do I wish? Hmmmm….
Write to me at writelove@sbcglobal.net with your comments.