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by: Dale Parkins
When it comes to relating to the opposite sex, not everyone is
born with confidence or conversational adeptness. Fortunately,
with practice and the following few tried and tested tricks anyone
can develop these skills.
Work out what you want
Have in mind the goal of your conversation before it starts. Do
you want to let him know that you’re interested in him? Do
you just want to catch up and have a laugh? Identify the goal and
set a strategy for how you’ll achieve it. One good way to
break the ice with a guy (if you’re confident enough) is
to be totally honest with him and tell him what your agenda is.
For example, if you’re talking to a guy who you have a crush
on and you really want to discover whether he’s single, you
could say something like, “When I walked over here, I promised
myself I wouldn’t leave until I found out if you had a girlfriend
or not!” Or if you’re on a date with a guy you’ve
just started seeing and your goal is to be less shy, say something
along the lines of, “I was thinking that I’ve been
pretty quiet on our other dates. Today I decided I want to let
you know what I’m like.” Setting a strategy helps to
keep a potentially unnerving situation in perspective.
http://www.daleecounsel.com.au/
Be the individual you are, not a clone of him. There is nothing
more annoying for a boy than when a girl goes along with everything
he says. Don't be afraid to express likes and dislikes or to share
opinions. For example, if a boy asks what you'd like to eat or
what movie you'd like to see, do not automatically respond, "I
don't mind" or "Whatever you want". Accept his questions
as genuine interest in you and give him an honest response. If
you really don't have any preference then it is okay to say so.
Your tastes and views do not have to be the same as the guy you're
talking to. You don't have to listen to the same music, or support
the same football team, or agree with his political or religious
beliefs. It is okay to disagree with his opinions as long as you
are respectful. Standing up for what you belief in commands respect
and it also gives him the chance to get to know the real you and
what you are passionate about.
Take risks
No one, no matter how pretty, intelligent or funny, gets the response
they want from others ALL of the time. Most of us have some experience
of rejection, but that is what helps us hone our tuning skills!
Take comfort from this and don't be disheartened if a boy you like
doesn't reciprocate your interest. The saying "One person's
trash is another person's treasure" rings true here. Another
saying, "You've got to be in it to win it", is also true.
You don't want to be left wondering what might have happened if
you'd had the courage to go and talk to him, so take a chance and
put yourself on the line!
Getting what you want
Once you've got your boy's attention there are a few tried and
tested tricks for keeping it. The most important thing is to show
a genuine interest in him. Smile at him, maintain eye contact,
maybe touch his arm to emphasise a point. People love talking about
themselves so try asking him questions. Keep it simple, like, what
music do you listen to? What's it like living at your place? How
do you get on with your family? What's the best holiday you've
ever been on? What do you like to do on weekends? If you are feeling
self-conscious, an added benefit of getting a boy to talk about
himself is that it takes the spotlight off you. Once he starts
confiding you'll feel more relaxed and be able to talk about yourself
too.
Watch and learn
Observe others and then develop your own style. Pay attention
to the girls who are more confident and flirty. Watch these girls
in action and take note of exactly what they say, do, and even
what mannerisms they use. Not everyone is born with conversational
adeptness but anyone can develop it. Mix what works with your own
style.
Positive visualisation
Before you approach a boy give yourself a pep talk. The thoughts
we have influence our mood and our behaviour so concentrate on
happy vibes. Dismiss any negative thoughts and substitute them
with positive thoughts. If you anticipate that someone is going
to laugh in your face or find what you are saying boring, you are
likely to feel sad, anxious and defeated. If you remember all the
compliments you have been given or a time when you had a friend
in stitches laughing, you are likely to feel happy, calm and confident.
Visualise success and it is more likely to occur.
About The Author
Dale Parkins is an experienced relationship counsellor with qualifications
in psychology. She is also the owner of online counselling business
Dalee Counsel.com.au. For support with relationship or other
issues visit here.
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