Avoid the Friend Zone: Ladder Theory

So what do you say to these fickle, sensitive beasts? It doesn’t really matter. It’s more the timing and body language. I’ve found that the quick move works best. Walking by a girl, or past a table where she’s eating, whatever, I usually try to make eye contact, and if she notices me, I acknowledge by saying, “I want to say ‘hi’ because I noticed we made eye contact, and this is New York and if you don’t take advantage of moments like these they tend to just pass, blah, blah, etc.” Or, if there’s no eye contact I stop them and say my standard, “I think you’re cute, but I’m in a rush and late for a meeting. How ‘bout you give me your number and we’ll grab a drink around here some night.” — Paul Janka