Don Osmond: In my opinion…

I just graduated from high school and now am attending UVSC. I would like to ask someone out, but do pick-up lines work on college women?

Oh, my dear boy. I wish I could tell you that dating in college is the same as dating in high school. Alas, it is not.

Contrary to popular opinion, when you tell a girl, “If I said you have a nice body, would you hold it against me?” She will. But, it’s not what you would expect.

Pick-up lines, for the most part, are empty, spineless, and meaningless remarks women could care less about. It’s not flattering to ask a woman if her “daddy is a baker, because she has nice buns.” There are more tactful ways of commenting on her figure. And, it’s not “whatcha gonna do wit all that junk?”

A more tactfully approach to a pick-up line will require more meaningful conversation to follow. For example, if your best pick-up line is, “Do you believe in love at first sight?” You better be able to continue the conversation with something like, “I’m sorry that was cheesy, but I couldn’t think of anything to say that would get your attention. Can I try that again, or at least introduce myself. I’m (your name goes here).”

Now that you have her attention, say something – anything. You’ve already broken the ice. Talk about whatever comes to mind. Is she reading a book? Ask her what she’s reading. The point is that you maintain some type of conversation that will allow you to get to know a little more about each other.

Note: Conversations are most enjoyable when both parties contribute to the subject matter. Don’t do all of the talking and don’t talk about yourself too much. No woman wants to talk to an egotistical blabbermouth.

If the conversation went well, and you both enjoyed each other’s company, ask for her number. Chances are good that she’ll give it to you.

I know this may be a little challenging at first, but give it a try. Girls are pretty forgiving. Besides, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Happy Hunting!

There are so many horror stories about blind dates that I’m afraid to go on one. What should I do?

Funny you mention blind dates. Last year a friend challenged me to go on 100 blind dates in a calendar year. And like an idiot, I accepted the challenge knowing full well I would not be able to accomplish the Herculean task. I should say, hopefully without incriminating myself, I got close!

I think it is important to mention that each girl I went out with, individually, has remarkable talents and attributes. I’m foolish to let many pass me by and neglect the old adage, “carpe diem.”

Moral of this story – date! Date a lot. Take every opportunity to date. Just don’t let your pride of accepting a silly challenge get in the way of something better.

As for the fear of blind dating, allow me to offer two points of advice that will help you set the boundaries for an enjoyable, yet quick, blind date.

First, a blind date is nothing more than an opportunity for you to assess your date. Ask yourself the question, “Would I have given you my cell phone number? Or, would I have asked for your number?” This should be your perspective. Though it sounds harsh, we all know it’s the truth. You don’t need to decide if you’re going to marry this person at the end of the date.

Second, establish a time limit. When you set up the date, let your date know that you would love to go out with them – and be sincere about it. But, make sure they understand that you’ve got things you would like to do after the date, so you need to be home by a certain time. And stick to it! What if the date is going well? Keep your time commitment. If you want to go out with your date again, let her/him know you’d like to go out again. Then set up another date. Don’t forget, you can have too much of a good thing!

Voice of caution: Don’t tell a girl you will call her if you’re not. There is nothing worse than to make a commitment that you don’t intend to keep. If you’re like Chandler from Friends and don’t know what to say at the end of a date, try saying something like, “I had a great time. Thanks for a wonderful evening.” That’s it.

Above all, enjoy the date. Who knows what could happen.