How to Get Someone to Buy You a Drink

By eHow Relationships & Family Editor

Rate: (7 Ratings)

Decades of sexual equality and social progress have achieved only so much. Approaching someone in a bar can still be treacherous. Is a woman being unacceptably forward if she asks a man to buy her a drink? Is a man violating some rule if he expects a woman to buy him a drink? Who cares? Just have fun, don't be a jerk, and you'll be OK.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1

Experiment. Walk up to your target and say, "How about buying me a drink?" You know you'll at least get a reaction, so be ready with some light conversation.

Step2

Don't be obnoxious. Your goal is not to get free alcohol, but to meet someone. Even if he or she thinks it's weird that you're asking for a drink, a show of personality or humor should be enough to move things along.

Step3

Employ the obvious backup position, if necessary: Offer to buy your target a drink.

Step4

Don't push too hard. Be lighthearted and casual. Your target may decline now, but there's a chance you'll bump into the person again in an hour or so.

Step5

Don't try to isolate your target from his or her friends. Be friendly to the whole group, and increase your chances of appearing desirable.

Step6

Plan an escape route. Some people think that if they buy you a drink, they're buying rights to you for the entire evening.

What to Look For:

Lighthearted conversation
An escape route, if needed

Tips & Warnings

Don't worry about looking like an idiot. Everyone looks like one sometimes.
If you get a nasty reaction from someone, it probably says more about his or her attitude than your technique.

Comments

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 6/30/2006 I personally like a sassy lass and am more turned on to a person if she makes the first move. However, very few move this on and become coy once more. I don't think it's cute to be coy. Have a number of conversation points to move to if one appears dead in the water. Don't build your hopes up, it can show in your body language and appear desperate. This can easily turn a guy off.
If all else fails, don't be afraid of gaining his attention with feminine moves or the occasional body contact.

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 1/13/2006 After a month traveling in Europe on a budget, I have become an expert at the free night out. All a gal really needs to subsidize her good time is a warm smile and some sass. Genuine and sincere interest in meeting people, coupled with a genuine and sincere interest in the perfect appletini are considerable assets. Being stark-raving mad and proud of it helps, too. Gay men particularly love a good Holly Golightly or even an Auntie Mame. Also, search your purse like it is absolutely bottomless when it's time to pony up. The tab magically gets paid. And mind you, I am neither young nor skinny- just a good time disguised as a desperate housewife! La Dolce Vita!!

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Walk up to bar and ask him what he's drinking, adding that you wanna try something new but you cant decide what you should get.

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Don't throw your empty cup or bottle away. Use it as a prop to start a conversation with a guy at the bar. If he notices that you need a refill, chances are that he will offer to help you out, but remember to smile.