The Art of "Hooking Up" at House Parties

Whichever your reason is for finding a little action, house parties & get-togethers seem to be a great spot for gettin' some. But why? Social engagements at someone's household presents a more-relaxed environment, free alcohol, comfortable seating, mutual friends (which means- easier introductions), and for god sakes -- it's a home, where most sexual activity takes place (i.e. in bedrooms)!

If you're not a typical Johnny Playboy, who can go up to females in loud, crowded bars/clubs, and strike up a conversation (aka screaming match) until you're able to get her number or creepily go home with her -- don't worry! House parties provide the same materials, except you're already inside a house (get it?).

Striking up a conversation with a female feels easier at a house party because you're (usually) surrounded by mutual friends. This means you have a better shot at striking up a conversation with someone because your friend is there to vouch for you. If you're not looking to get your socks rocked, at least you have a decent shot at getting a female's number.

Let's Get Physical:
If you are looking for some tonsil hockey (or more), doing so in someone's home seems quite easier. There are a few things to consider:

1) Alcohol consumption of you and your target female - This depends on how big of a douche you are).

2) The other guests - Make sure you don't come off as a creep. If you're feeling good vibes, let it happen. She's not your public Playdough).
3) Waiting it out - You may have to wait till toward the end of the party. You're not going to just pull her into an empty bedroom and go at it ....well, unless she's down for that.
4) Consider a car - If she's all over you and is figuratively spelling out that she "wants a piece", suggest to her how you have a new album of some artist she likes and go have a listen in your vehicle. Believe it or not, it works sometimes.

If these steps haven't made me seem like a total tool yet, I hope you learn how to spot douchy guy at the next party you go to. If anything, maybe you'll be her saviour and then you'll get some unexpected action.

The Bar Scene: Not For You? There's Still Hope

If you are like me, then going out to a bar with some friends is usually a good time for you. However, going out to a bar in the hopes of finding romance just doesn't seem to work. Through about 10 minutes of heavy introspection, I have come up with a list of why I can't seem to find interest in any women I've met at bars. I will post it in case any of you out there relate:

1. I am not attracted to drunkenness. Stumbling women who can't speak coherently just don't do it for me. I like good conversation, and I like to be remembered the next day.

2. That "Girls Night Out" look (You know the one with a tight black dress, sparkles, high heels, a ton of make-up, and more hairspray than you'd like to think) does not appeal to me. I understand that you are trying to sell yourself a little. After all, you can't meet someone new if they don't notice you. Yet, something always tells me that the ones who try that hard have more to show than they do to say. Maybe it's a little judgmental of me, or maybe it's just my instinct that if someone is trying that hard to lure me in, they must have alterior motives.

3. I like good conversations. Some bars are good for this. Mostly, those bars are full of middle aged divorcees and burnt out alcoholics. Otherwise, they tend not to be full at all. The bars filled with young single crowds always seem to blast with music. I like to talk a lot more than I like to dance. So, naturally, this is a poor environment to find someone that interests me.

Well, three reasons are all I'm going to pull out right now. So, let's get on with some analysis!

Back when you were in high school, meeting new people was easy. You were around hundreds of people all day and, with loads of free time, meeting friends of friends or going to local hangout spots was more a lifestyle than a choice.

College is a little tougher. With a lot more schoolwork, and most likely a job, there is less time to go out and meet new people. Also, all of your friends stopped hanging out on the street corners and local parks, opting for more secure spots like bars, clubs, homes, apartments, etc. If you are attending a mainly commuter school, meeting new people becomes even more difficult.  

Out in the working world, you have less of a pool to choose from. The need to remain professional with coworkers rules out many people you meet through work. More and more time is consumed by your career, and your friends only go out on certain days and mostly out to bars (which we discussed briefly above) or restaurants (which aren't a great meeting place for singles).

For everyone out there, in college, at work, or both, I have advice. Don't be shy. If you are at the supermarket, cafe, bookstore, library, or just about anywhere and you see somebody interesting, just say "Hello." Well, also say something interesting. You don't want to seem creepy. If you can't think of anything to say, look around. There has to be something that affects both of you that you have an opinion on. After all, you are in the same place!

If you need a more social setting to feel comfortable, there are still options. If you go to college (even a commuter college) there is bound to be some sort of recreation room. You can also join clubs. These are great places to meet new people who you already have something in common with. 

If you are out in the working world, believe it or not, there are places adults go for recreation that don't involve intoxication. Check out local parks, coffee shops, hobby shops, etc.

Now there are two important rules and they are not easy.

1. Don't be shy. You can't meet anyone new without speaking to them.

2. Don't go in with any expectations. Go out to have fun. If you are scouting for a hot lady, she will probably catch on to your motives.
3. When you talk to someone new, say something interesting, spark a conversation, and DON'T just use some corny pick-up line.
4. Be you, be real and don't lose your patience. Meeting someone special can take a long time. Remember, you are important and unique, so finding a compatible partner probably isn't as easy as you would like it to be.

Okay, so that was more than two...

Dating Etiquette 101: Manage Your Drinking

If you’ve managed to maintain a good conversation and have also managed your alcohol intake, you’re in good standing for another evening out with this enjoyable female. However, the biggest mistake you can make is having one too many Vodka Tonics. An even bigger mistake you can make is feeding your date too many glasses of wine …..or Vodka Tonics. Why the hell are you even drinking Vodka Tonics on your first date anyway?

If this female is someone you’re interested in furthering a near future with, it might be wise to ease up on pouring booze down your gullet, as well as your date’s. We all know social drinking helps shed some of the nervousness and awkwardness of a first date. It loosens the mood to make room for easier flowing conversation. Yet, “moderation” is your key word to success if you don’t want to transform into a sloppy, rambling fool. Too many drinks and you could potentially accentuate tiny flaws you may have not wanted to present so early on ….or you’re telling your date that you’re a problem drinker. Either one works.

It’s also important NOT to supply your date with too many drinks. Men tend to handle their alcohol better than women. There's physical proof. If you don’t believe this, then you’re one of those guys who enjoy getting their dates drunk in order to sleep with them ASAP. This would classify you as a D-bag. If your date enjoys drinking a little too much, she’s either nervous or she-herself could be a problem drinker …..in which case, you really know how to pick ‘em!

Tips:
 

1. Keep the drinking light. Know your limit. Analyze her limit. Don’t encourage her to drink more if she isn’t showing a desire to do so.
2.  Keep the conversation moving. Ask questions and be genuinely interested in what she’s saying. If she is someone you possibly see a future with, then conversation should flow naturally.

      3. If you’re not feeling it, definitely do not drink more in order to enjoy her company. You’re doing your date a disservice and you’re prolonging an early exit, if you’re too tipsy to drive.