Sharp Party Moves
Submitted by SharpMan Editorial Team on Friday 8th October 2010- Becoming the center of attention when you’re alone at a party.
- Looking sharp when meeting HER parents at the party.
- Getting the attention of a SharpWoman who’s already talking to other guys.
- Moving in on the friend of the SharpWoman you’ve been talking to and more…
Over the past several months, the SharpDating Team has received so many follow-up questions related to meeting a SharpWoman’s parents at their home and other sharp party etiquette that we’ve decided to share a few of the answers with the general SharpMan.com readership. Let us know how these work out for you. If additional questions come up, WRITE SHARPDATING.
Sharp Party Moves for Getting SharpWomen to Gravitate Towards You
The Problem: At parties when you don’t know many of the women — or anyone — how do you get yourself away from the bar and into a conversation with an attractive SharpWoman?
The SharpMove: Many socially successful SharpMen suggest starting the easy way — by talking to your friends or anyone you know. It may sound obvious, but telling a loud joke that requires large hand gestures will make you the center of attention in your small circle. This simple exercise will attract an audience — and eventually will also attract SharpWomen into your group.
SharpMan Tip: Don’t squander the attention you get — tailor your jokes to your audience. Jokes about bodily functions may be all right to get the fellas going, but should be swiftly curbed once the ladies show up.
Don’t have a "circle" of friends at this particular shindig? Make your own: one easy way to "mingle" is to simply introduce people — even if you’ve just met them yourself. Begin by introducing yourself to one other guy and starting a conversation with him. Next, when you see another guy wandering aimlessly, call him over and introduce him to the guy you’re standing with. Pull in and introduce people any time you’d like to grow your "circle" or whenever you’d like to turn away from a boring conversation with someone in your group. To do this, simply excuse yourself for interrupting the boring person and make the intended introduction. Introduce yourself first and then everyone in your "circle" to the new person. Ideally, all introductions of people you "know" should include an interesting piece of information that you’ve just learned about him or her — to help get a conversation going.
For example, "Dan, this is Linda, she’s a project manager but she also races dirt bikes on the weekends!" Be enthusiastic. Remember, when you show enthusiasm for the work or interests of the people you’re introducing, you instantly become their new favorite person. Before you know it, you’re the new favorite person of an entire circle of people at the party — and you’re the center of attention…to whom SharpWomen will gravitate.
Sharp Hostess Gifts When You’re Meeting the Parents
The Problem: Dinner at her folks’ house — first-time meeting. One of the parents may be skeptical about you. What host/hostess gift will best break the ice?
The SharpMove: The question is, who’s the harder parent to please? If it’s the dad, liquor makes a good gift if your pre-party investigations indicate that he drinks and has a favorite type of liquor. The key is to bring a good quality brand and know something about it. Introduce the brand to your host and to his guests. Of course, don’t steal the show or you won’t be invited back.
Obviously, if your SharpWoman’s dad is not a drinker, skip the sauce — as a gift and as your beverage for the evening.
Trying to impress the mom? Pass over the liquor aisle and head straight for the florist. You can bring the buds with you and hand them over to her when you arrive, but doing so risks being greeted by a helpful guest who will grab your stems without alerting the hostess to your thoughtful gift.
Alternatively, you can do something more dramatic. Have your flowers delivered by the florist on the afternoon prior to the party. Include a card that says, "(Your SharpWoman’s Name) says you’re a great cook; I’m hoping these will get me seconds" or simply, "Looking forward to meeting you and Mr. _____." Having flowers delivered prior to the start of the party does a few things: it sets your gift apart from those given by other guests, it gives the hostess an opportunity to fully appreciate your thoughtfulness, and finally, it also allows her to incorporate your flowers into her decorations — putting your gift in center stage.
The SharpWoman Who’s Already Talking to Another Guy
The Problem: You’ve spotted the SharpWoman you want to meet, but she’s deep in conversation with some other guy (or more than one guy). How do you get her attention without trying to butt in awkwardly?
The SharpMove: The girl’s bound to get hungry or thirsty, right? Go over to the buffet or bar, fill a plate or cup and bring it over to her. Hand her the plate, smile and walk away. She’ll immediately notice that (a) you’re a thoughtful guy, and (b) the shortsighted yo-yos she’s been talking to haven’t offered to get her a drink/a bite to eat all night. Our bet is that she’ll soon excuse herself from her unsharp companion(s) and approach you before the night’s over.
The Far Reaches of "Social" Drinking
The Problem: Many people drink to make a social situation that much easier. The question is, just how "easy" should you make it for yourself?
The SharpMove: Never drink to the point of being "the most drunk guy at the party" — no SharpWoman wants to date the guy who spent the evening puking his guts out. Of course, even if you don’t hurl, you never want to be the guy whom everyone remembers being "soooooo drunk," either; this may work well as a premise for the stories your buddies tell, but it’ll never make the ladies swoon.
When You Want the Friend of the SharpWoman You’ve Been Talking To
The Problem: After talking to SharpWoman One for some time, her friend shows up and — chi-ching! — she’s the one you’ve been looking for! How do you get rid of SharpWoman One so that you can focus on her friend?
The SharpMove: In order to avoid alienating both women, you’ll have to make your move slowly. Begin by inviting SharpWoman Two into the conversation. Engage both women equally, allowing each to participate in the conversation. If you keep this going long enough, you’ll have the opportunity to focus more and more on whatever "fascinating" things SharpWoman Two is saying, until eventually SharpWoman One will become bored and move on. The key is to transition slowly enough so that SharpWoman One doesn’t notice that she’s being blown off, since this may offend both women and cause you to lose the one you’re after.
The Appearance of the Ex
The Problem: Your ex-girlfriend or ex-wife shows up at the party. Is the crowd big enough for the both of you, or will her snide "yeah, I used to go out with him" remarks get between you and the SharpWomen you’re moving in on?
The SharpMove: Your ex is likely to be just as uncomfortable as you are. Quell her discomfort and she’ll be much less interested in sharing her unpleasant memories. Assuming your parting didn’t require a restraining order on one or both of you, we suggest being the bigger man — the SharpMan — by approaching your ex and offering to get her a drink. Be polite and welcoming and then excuse yourself in order to help the host. Your tone will put her at ease and allow you both to enjoy the party.
This article last updated on Friday 8th October 2010