How guys can improve their dating skills

Getting a date can be tough, but it's far from impossible.

14:21 01 December 2009

If you you're in a dating rut, here are 10 ways to improve your game and start filling up that little black book again.

10. Go out with friends

You have more chance of getting a date if you go out in a group. Your friends will have a network of potential dream ladies to meet - and these friends of friends might be of interest to you.

The added bonus is that this person already shares something with you - your mutual acquaintance - which saves serious effort in coming up with conversation topics.

9. Use online dating services

Dating websites have gone mainstream - you can surf through any number of profiles, including many interesting and attractive women. 

8. Talk to lots of women

The saying goes that you can't win a raffle if you don't buy a ticket. And you've more chance of winning if you buy several tickets!

It's the same with dating. The more women you talk to, the more likely you are to get a date.

And talking to more women means you get more comfortable doing so. When you talk to many women, you eventually become more comfortable and confident approaching them. Practice makes perfect, and dating is no exception.

7. Be an interesting conversationalist

Once you get a woman's attention, you need to keep it. Since most small talk centres on film, music and other topics of popular interest, keep an eye on current trends.

Watch the news, read magazines and learn from conversations with other people. And remember that people love to talk about themselves. Be sure to ask open-ended questions to keep her chatting all night with minimal effort.

6. Keep an open mind

If a date doesn't go too well on the first try, give it another shot. Many factors could have been at work: nervousness, noise, even a bad choice of location. Don't dismiss someone without good reason - your date might just need a little coaxing from her shell.

5. Be comfortable with yourself

Raising your confidence level is perhaps one of the toughest things to do, but its effects can be seen everywhere in your life - including dating. Recognise that you have qualities that women seek. It takes time, but once you become confident, the world will be yours.

4. Look your best

Make sure basic hygiene is covered and lose that beer gut!

If you have zero fashion sense, then get a stylish acquaintance to give advice. And don't forget to smile. A lot. Women will be more eager to talk to you if you look friendly and approachable.

3. Be a challenge

Women can smell desperation from across the room. Let a woman sense that you can do very well without her, and that it's in her best interest to keep you around.

Don't tell her too much about yourself; let her do most of the talking. You'll seem more mysterious and trim down your chances of saying something you'll regret. Remain enigmatic and women will rush to try and crack your secret.

2. Be a gentleman

A gentleman respects women and shows an interest in them by listening to them and respecting their views. A gentleman opens her door and helps her put on her jacket. He offers to pay the bill and walks her to her door. It's guaranteed to make you more attractive.

1. Learn to size women up

No two people are the same, so you need to observe a prospective partner and adapt your approach accordingly.

If she's the artsy type, talk about art. If she's into music, discuss that. Thinking in your feet makes all the difference.