If you feel as if all signs are reading "Go," you should consider asking for the contact info before the conversation hits a road block (e.g., your nose starts to run or there's an awkward silence). The most important advice for Brisbane singles: Don't jump right in to the request. Let the conversation take its course, then fold it into the natural flow.
• Once you've reached the end of a conversational thread, acknowledge that you're having a good time by saying, "I'm really enjoying talking with you" or "I'm so glad I met you."
• Say something flirty, so he understands that your interest surpasses mere friendship: "And I almost waited until Sunday to do my grocery shopping—wouldn't that have been a real shame!"
• Make it clear why you're asking for his contact information: "I'd love to see you again. Maybe we could have dinner?"
• Make an open-ended request so he can decide what he wants to hand over (phone number, e-mail address, etc.): "How can I get in touch with you?"
Many of us are illiterate in body language. We can't tell the difference between "I'm interested" and "You disgust me." Here's how to turn down a suitor who can't read the nonverbal cues you're conveying.
• Don't let him buy you anything, be it a drink, an order of buffalo wings, or a song on the jukebox.
• Make a casual reference to your boyfriend: "Oh, my boyfriend and I went to see that movie. We thought it was hilarious" or "I do come here often, but usually I'm with my boyfriend. He had to work tonight."
• The boyfriend lie only works with strangers, of course. If he knows you're single, prepare to recognize the signs that he's about to ask you out:
a) He's in the middle of a lengthy pause, indicating that he's about to switch gears.
b) He begins to act nervously: sweating profusely, blinking his eyes faster, or laughing a little too loudly.
c) He begins a sentence with "So . . ."
• Head him off at the pass—if he looks like he's about to go for it, extricate yourself quickly. Say, "Hold that thought! I really need to visit the ladies' room." By the time you get back, he'll have lost steam.
If he still doesn't take the hint:
• Offer a vague yet firm statement: "I've really enjoyed talking with you, but I'm not looking to date anyone right now"
• Retreat immediately to prevent him from retorting with a plea or a "why not?"
• If he continues to talk even after you've turned away, do not stop and look back—this may indicate to him that you're likely to reconsider.
Jodie Brittain is the CEO of Australian Online Dating website, Slinky Dating Australia - the Aussie-only Online Singles site for men and women looking for friends or serious relationships. Join Slinky Online Dating for Free!
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