The dreaded pickup line. Thanks to the expansion of social media over the last decade, we’ve all heard every pickup line out there. This means that they are rarely original and rarely received well. But now you’re at the bar and you see that girl. She’s attractive and scanning the room for a guy, and you know if you don’t approach her then it is only a matter of minutes until someone does. Well, my man, if you’re going to talk to her, then you need a good line that is sure to keep her interested. Depending on the type of guy you are and the type of girl she is, you can choose from honest, flirty, goofy, or witty pickup lines. Just make sure you pick the right one the first time because there won’t be a second chance to make a first impression. Here are five solid pickup lines that represent a wide spectrum of options depending on your situation, so choose wisely! And as always, the words aren’t enough. Make sure you say them with the right tone and body language or the effect won’t land quite like you wanted.
 

5. “I really like your X”

Pick something that is interesting or attractive enough to be pointed out, otherwise she won’t think you’re sincere. Are her glasses or shoes particularly stylish? Is she wearing a piece of jewelry that could have a story behind it? Even complimenting her drink choice can be flattering enough to start a conversation (“I have to say, it’s refreshing to see a woman order a double whiskey instead of a long island iced tea!”). Everyone enjoys an honest accolade, even if they know you have an ulterior motive. Pick something that makes her different from the women around her. If she smiles, blushes, or giggles, then game on.
 

4. “You’re so beautiful that you made me forget the rest of my pickup line.”

Some good pickup lines require a bit of humor, which is a great ice-breaker if used correctly. This line is just the right combination of flirty and funny that it will disarm the right girl at the right time and smooth the way for the rest of your game. She needs to be in the mood to laugh though, so make sure you don’t choose a girl who seems in a bad mood or serious. This line works often as well because it jests at the idea of pickup lines in the first place, sort of saying, “We both knew that I was coming over to feed you some cheesy pickup line, but then I saw your eyes and I lost my train of thought.”
 

3. “I would flirt with you, but I’d rather seduce you with my awkwardness.”

With the right girl, self-deprecating humor is gold. However, if it’s used to impress a woman, the joke at your expense can’t be entirely true. If you land this line right and she laughs, then you won the battle. If you then follow it up with crippling awkwardness that makes her uncomfortable, then you’ve lost the war, my friend. This line is a little risky, but has high rewards if you pick the right girl.
 

2. “Do you believe in love at first sight? Or do you want me to walk by again?”

Yup, another funny one (#1 is more serious, don’t worry). This one differs from the other too though because it is not very flirty or indirect. Yes, she will think you’re an idiot, but a goofy idiot. (Why Women Like The Funny Guy) However, you have to make sure she is in the right mood to laugh at a joke, just like any other humorous pickup line. If she genuinely laughs, then follow it up with your name, a firm handshake, and a charming smile, and you’re made in the shade.
 

1. “You’re going to be trouble, aren’t you?”

This line is a sure thing, but requires a good deal of charisma and timing to pull off and have full effect. If spoken in a tone too serious or too silly, then this line will come off more creepy than teasingly seductive. A smirk and a flirtatious tone are vital for this one to land, and she needs to be flirting back too, so this line is used best when you are already having a conversation with her and some light flirting has begun. Calling her “trouble” is both a jest and a compliment, teasing that she is sexy enough to cause you to make bad decisions. Using the future tense with “you’re going to be…” implies both that you want to continue contact with her and that you are confident that she will want to see more of you too. If you say this at the right moment and in the right way, you show absurdness and experience with women that will be irresistible.