Flying solo is not only a scary mission but one of the easiest ways to strike out. Hitting on a girl, whether at the bar or any social function comes with its challenges. Don’t kid yourself, girls may look all fluffy and rainbows but she will chew you up alive. That’s where the wingman comes in. It’s a 50-50 chance that smoothening the playing field before you come in and score the touchdown may work, but it’s a gamble worth taking.
A wingman is your no.1 cheerleader, your own personal hypeman, the Kelly to your Beyoncé, not forgetting that telepathic skill to know what you’re thinking before you even say it. For whatever reason you have to wing for your boy, here are a few steps to pull it off.
Let him go first: When you make a mark, let your friend introduce himself first because he has called dibs. That way the lady gets the impression that he’s taking the lead. When you’re introduced, slowly work your way into the conversation.
Don’t lose sight of the mission: The reason you’re there is to get your friend a girl, so it’s important to know your roll. Sure, the girl may look like a much younger version of Halle Berry, but do not go rogue and upstage him. It’s also important to know that if you’re the alpha male between you and your friend, this mission is a lost cause, girls tend to draw toward the leader.
Pay attention to cues: Look out for signals. Sometimes your friend may need a pick me up during a conversation, as a wingman, it’s your role to pay attention. In case the girl is losing interest, you should be able to reel her back in, when your friend wants out, you should pick up on that too. Sometimes the girl may show more interest in you than in your friend, notice it, pull back and put the focus back on your friend.
Run interference: Since you have already committed to this role, you might as well follow through. Think of yourself as a part bodyguard, part friend. In case some other guys come in to impress your friend’s girl, try as much as possible to blow them off without looking like a jerk. If the girl has some friends around, you need to charm them, buy them drinks, whatever it takes to keep them from leaving with her.
Don’t get distracted: Maybe a group of the hottest girls you’ve ever seen just rolled in, maybe your favourite team is playing, or maybe your ex just walked in with a guy who is obviously drooling over her, maybe your brother just called asking for a favour. Commit. It’s not about you tonight.
Pace yourself: Getting drunk is not a good look on any job, stay sober, you don’t want your friend to look a fool by association.
Your night ends when the results are in: At the end of the night, you need to know whether your cupid skills have paid off. Hang back and let your friend take it home. If the girl had a friend with her, ask if you can move somewhere else with her and let the love birds get comfortable. But if you are talking to the same girl, excuse yourself so your friend can have a chance to ask for her number or another date.
