Have you ever been on the receiving end of a really bad pick
up line?
I understand it takes a lot of courage for a man to cross a
room and pay a woman a compliment. We women are generally the hunted. Sure, if
we’re single we might send out the vibes, but very often our initial role is
passive. A man has to not only traverse a room, but if he wants to snag a fish,
he also must come up with a clever hook. (Something we know a little bit about
as writers!)
Somehow the whole idea of a pick up line is hilarious to me.
You hate to laugh at a guy for trying, but still, it’s funny. Whether you are
available and on the prowl for a man, or happily married for thirty years, I
challenge any woman to honestly say they don’t appreciate a little compliment,
even from a complete stranger. Let’s face it, it’s nice to be noticed.
Last night I had a long overdue girls’ night with one of my
closest friends. We went to the grand re-opening of our beautifully restored
historic city library, and we had dinner at a quaint café downtown. The café is
intertwined with campus life of the local university, so it was bustling with
laptops and study groups—kids, as I now call them. Though I am not that far off
in age, with two kids and a mortgage I felt like the oldest 27-year-old in the
bi-state area.
So we are enjoying our dinner and conversation when a guy
walks by. He makes a remark about my hair and goes outside to have a smoke.
When he comes back in my friend is in the bathroom and he takes it as his
moment to cast his lure.
I had to give him points for, umm . . . originality. Here’s
how it played out.
Guy: “How’d you get that?”
Me with furrowed brow: “Um, pardon?”
Guy: “How’d you get that?”
Me: “My hair?” A tangly mess of wild waves. “It came this
way.”
Guy: “No that.” Points at me.
Me: “I’m sorry. I don’t understand.”
Guy: “That face. So much beauty!”
Me: “Ha! Wow!”
Guy: “No really. You encapsulate
me as a man, you’re so beautiful!”
Okay, now I am nearly crying! What on earth? Word confusion?
Encapsulate: Verb
1. Enclose (something) in or as if in a capsule.
2. Express the essential features of (someone or something)
succinctly.
What does that even mean? Did I help solidify his sexual
orientation? What a strange and hysterical curve ball.
Me mid laugh: “Not entirely sure what you mean, but I’m sure I’m
flattered. Thank you!”
When my friend and I left we had a good laugh in the car
about some of the funnier lines we've heard or been the victim of.
One of my favorites was this one…
“Is that a rhinestone jacket, or do you just sparkle?”
So, it’s Monday…. It’s a good a day as any for a hearty
laugh.
What is your worst
pick up line? And how did you respond?
