Get to the point and get the guy

11:59 09 April 2009

Women are often the experts of subtle hints expecting their body language and indirect affection to be abundantly clear. But according to US researchers, that is no way to chat up a chap.

Shy smiles and small talk is out and the direct approach is in when it comes to getting the guy. Ladies need to be clear about their intentions, leaving little room for misunderstandings.

The researchers at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania tested 50 of the most common chat up lines given by women and asked men and women to rate how well they thought they would work.

They found that men find it hard to 'read' hints, even if accompanied by flirty body language. The male of the species seemed to much prefer a direct approach with offers such as an invitation for dinner or the cinema most appealing.

Lines like 'Can I give you my number?' and 'Fancy dinner?' fared best, while questions such as 'Hello, how's it going?' were deemed to send unclear messages.

Psychologist Dr Joel Wade said: "The direct indication of a possible date as well as the hint of a possible date gives the man a clear signal instead of sending mixed non-verbal signals that the man must decipher." Women should give straightforward suggestions which remove any "uncertainty regarding the outcome of the interaction," he said.

Exchanging phone numbers was also top of the list, closely followed by indirect invitations such as 'Do you have plans later?' or 'What are you up to tonight?'.

But women looking for long-term love should be wary about offering their number to strange men as they might view her as being more interested in a fling.

The best chat up lines to get the guy

• Fancy dinner?
• Can I give you my number?
• Do you have plans later?
• What are you up to tonight?

• First-time love Are you still hung up on your ex?

  Your place or mine?

The worst chat up lines

• Hello, how's it going?
• Have I met you before? You look familiar.
• Where have you been all my life?
• Your shirt matches my bedspread: you belong in my bed.
• That's a dangerous place you are standing - because I'm having trouble controlling my urges.