21 March,2011 11:33 AM IST | | Agencies
If you thought batting your eyelashes at a guy could get you a date with him, forget it. Clever chat-up lines, psychological mind games and body language don't always work at attracting the opposite sex, says an expert.
In fact, the best way to hit it off with that person is to be genuine and have fun, said social psychologist Dr Petra Boynton from University College London.
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Boynton debunked common dating myths this week she invited 60 members of the public to a speed-dating event at Aston University, where they discussed the art of matchmaking.
The best icebreaker might be a simple: "Hello, how are you?"
"If you're thinking about having to present yourself in a particular way and having to manage a line it comes over as contrived," The Age quoted her as saying.
Women must avoid these:
- Sneaking "peek-a-boo" glances at an admired individual can backfire by being overdone, and even make you look half-witted or mad.
- Not calling him first, or not answering his calls, to keep him "on his toes" is bad advice. Instead, he might just walk away.
- Sticking your hip out to accentuate your curves is not necessarily seen as a sign of fertility.
