Conversational Icebreakers

In bars and dance clubs, instead of asking:

"Can I buy you a drink" (shows lack of imagination)

Ask instead, "Have you ever had (tried) a Tequila Sunrise?" Select the most exotic, unknown drink you can think of. If they say no they have not tried it, ask them if you could get their opinion on it. Why this is better than the first question is because first you are asking their opinion and secondly, because a direct offer to buy implies a return obligation on their part.

For the Older Gang: Did you have a color television when you were a kid. What was the baby¡¦s name on The Flintstones or similar question: This will almost always generate further conversation. For the younger gang, a similar question can relate to a more recent TV show or movie.

In the produce department,"How can you tell if these things are ripe?" There are all kinds of grocery questions you can ask and you will almost always get a response but taking this to the next level at the supermarket can be tricky. Women do not always wear their wedding band to the grocery and the husband or wife may be merely lurking on the next aisle.
If the coast seems clear, direct the conversation towards food-a universal subject of interest. This is too soon to invite them over or out for dinner. It works much better to invite them (especially if the intended date is female) to a group setting and suggest they bring along a friend. You will call them with the date, time and place.

At the laundromat: "How much bleach should I put in with my good shirt". Girls can always ask for help from guys in lifting things. This seems to be universally appreciated by guys, being such simple creatures that they are...

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