How to Buy Someone a Drink

Most people contemplating buying someone a drink either think about it until (and beyond) last call, but never get up the nerve. Or they use the shotgun technique--buying a drink for anyone they catch sitting still for two seconds--blasting away in the hopes of getting lucky. The best approach is something in between.

Instructions

1. Try to enjoy the process, and accept that there are risks. Homerun leaders are frequently also strikeout leaders.

2. Avoid the wolf pack. Don't travel with a group of predators and expect to meet a nice person looking for a quiet time.

3. Be yourself. Sounds simple but apparently isn't. Most people are looking for a fun, intelligent, easygoing, levelheaded sort. Women aren't as impressed by flashy clothes, monster trucks, and sports victories as most men think.

4. Take your time. Don't rush up to your target, but don't wait around for hours either. If you've just arrived, have a seat and relax for a few minutes. Check to see if the person does, in fact, need a drink, or if he or she already has one. If you get an encouraging look, head over.

5. If there's a surefire pickup line in the world, the inventor is keeping it secret. Try "Hello." Look for a wedding ring.

6. Introduce yourself. If you don't get a response, you should probably forget it.

7. Offer to buy a drink. If the person agrees, you have the basis for a conversation about drink choices.

8. If your target is part of a group, be sure to acknowledge the rest of the group and include them in the conversation. If you don't, the group may close ranks and cut you off.

Tips & Warnings

• Meeting a stranger is always a long shot. Consider the billions of people in the world, and then think of the few you actually enjoy being around. From a statistical perspective, you could buy millions of drinks before meeting someone you like. So forget statistics.