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Sh*t Guys Say: Pick-Up Lines Gone Wrong

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FSU chapter.

Every guy has uttered a pick-up line at some point in their life, and that is the truth. These come in all shapes and sizes, most commonly, awkward and off-putting. So I’ve compiled a list of some of the most common mistakes that men are making as well as real life examples that continue to baffle me.

Pretending to know her

“I swear I know you. I’ve seen those eyes before.”

If you know that you actually have not met her before, then it’s probably best to leave this one at home. Claiming that you know someone when you clearly don’t, just for the sake of sparking awkward conversation, is more creepy than anything. Plus, girls more often than not want to look unique, not like someone else you happened to pass on the street.

Trying your luck in the gym

Courtesy: YTIMG

“I’m trying to get a six-pack. Are there any good moves you could show me?”

Now is not the time. Believe it or not, if we dragged ourselves to the gym then we are there to workout, not socialize. I think it’s safe to say that women don’t necessarily want to flirt while they are red faced, sweating profusely and straining themselves on workout equipment. Making eye contact on the hip abductor (inner and outer thigh) machine is avoided at all costs, so most likely this is not the most ideal opportunity.

Holding onto one insignificant encounter

“I used to serve you at Starbucks last year; how have you been?”

I think this is fairly unusual, especially if the memory is not shared by both people. If the two of you had a class together or used to go to the same high school, this could potentially serve as a gateway conversation. If this is the only memory you have, I would advise you to forget it so as to avoid that stage five clinger vibe.

Courtesy: Cloudfront

Making Assumptions

“Are you from Miami?”

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone with dark hair is from South Florida. Typically the ones who start with this just so happen to be from that area and so they view this as a compliment. Also, where does the conversation go from here if she answers “no?” Yes, there are beautiful people in Miami, but they’re not all down there. It would be better to ask a girl where she is from rather than to just assume at a glance that you know her origin.

Coming on too strong

Courtesy: Imagebuzz

I saw you, and I just had to talk to you.”

Sweet, but a little too impulsive. Girls want some sort of a challenge. They don’t want someone graveling and begging for their attention or for just an opportunity to talk with them. Subtlety is much more appreciated than blunt, dramatic statements.

“I’ll probably never see you again, but you are FINE.”

By starting off like this, you are giving her permission to disregard your statement completely. Also, yes, girls like compliments, but certain ones are valued more than others. Hot, fine and sexy are all great words, but they are just too much for a first encounter. You might have better luck with beautiful, cute or gorgeous because they demonstrate a little more respect and class, but, regardless, the goal here is not to lay it on thick.

“Can I get your number?”

Just like that? This might be the prime example of coming on too strong because there was zero attempts to talk in person or create a good impression. There was no introduction, no hi, hey, how you doing, just NUMBER, NOW. It’s almost caveman-like. Needless to say, you can consider trying this one out once you have already made a sufficient effort to actually communicate with her. More often than not, this will not result in anything but embarrassment and polite, awkward rejection.

Hope is a Junior double majoring in Media Communication Studies and Sociology. She enjoys listening to music, traveling, and spending time by the pool/beach.
Her Campus at Florida State University.