Part 1 - The Available from the Unavailable

So you want to pick up that fox/stud sitting at the end of the bar but just don't know how to make contact. Rather then sauntering over and dishing up some cheesy line, follow these guidelines and you're sure to score... big.

A meat market (a. k .a, bar or club) is the best place to ogle human behavior in it's basest form, it's a public mating dance for all to see. We've all observed the classic cougar trying to sink her claws into an unsuspecting victim, or the Mr. Slick, martini in hand, dancing all by his lonesome. Do these stereotypical facades actually work when it comes to picking up?

First things first, you don't need a gimmick! There are probably enough gimmicks at your average meat market already. You're sure to find the cougars, the bored husband type (wife's at home in bed), and the "I just turned 19/21 and need to get super loud drunk to celebrate” crowd. And of course there's always the guy wearing the Hawaiian shirt, (no it doesn't make you a party animal), toque (you're not Enrique Inglesias), sunglasses (you're not a rapper), wife beater tank (you don't live in a trailer park and if you did, this wouldn't attract the fairer sex anyways). Of course women aren't innocent, we are bona fide experts at deceit, especially when it comes to eluding an aggressive pass when we don't find the suitor... suitable.

So how does one woo, and woo well? . We've already ascertained that gimmicks, lines and astrological signs don't work, so what does work? . I'm a big believer in subtle charm with a bit of mystery and confidence thrown into the mix. Of course knowing how to recognize the "I'm available” signs are key in picking up. The sign's which are all too obvious to some, go completely unrecognized by some eager Romeo's and Juliette's.

If the object of your affection is wearing a wedding or engagement ring then they are obviously off limits (unless they're coming onto you which is something you and your conscience need to consider before picking up). Some signs of being unavailable can be summed up by your target's body language. Crossed arms, avoiding eye contact or unwillingness to keep up small talk should tell you to try elsewhere. If someone seems to have a chip on their shoulder, that chip could be you. Don't take offense, it may have nothing to do with you, it just means that this person isn't looking to hook up on that particular night. Excuses are another obvious sign that someone is acting "unavailable”. Girls are masters at an escape excuse. Here are some great excuses and the true meanings behind them... I'm don't feel like dancing/ You repulse me, I'm going to flee to the other side of the dance floor! I'm going to the bathroom/ Hopefully he will have found someone else by the time I return! I have a boyfriend/ Whether I do or not, I'm not interested! You remind me of my father/brother/uncle/ You remind her of her father/brother/uncle and that's not a good thing!

All fun aside, it's important to recognize the available from the unavailable. Once you feel someone is giving ample opportunity to make a pass, then you're ready for stage two in picking up... the approach.