How Do You Pull Abroad?
First let’s just clarify – that’s “abroad”, as in overseas, not “a broad”, as in a dame or a lady type person.
So, if you’re about to set off on a stag weekend and you’re not the groom, chances are you’ll be on the pull. Now maybe you’re an accomplished flirter, and you could probably talk Mother Teresa into bed, if you could just get her to shut up for five minutes. Or could you? The language barrier is an obstacle for all but the most cunning linguist, but there are other ways to flirt, here’s our top tips on pulling when you no speaka da lingo.
OMG, what did you just say!
Hang by the bar and put out the vibe
Your appearance tells a potential match more about you than your words. Don’t underestimate the Lynx effect; put in the groundwork and make yourself look and smell good, and get yourself noticed.
Make eye contact
When you can hold someone’s gaze it shows real confidence. It’s also an act of great intimacy, and sure way to show you’re interested. Don’t stare though, you don’t want to look like a serial killer, and do make sure it’s her eyes yours are fixed on, and not her cleavage.
Smile
A smile is a smile in any language (except the countries where it means, “I would like to murder your face off”, watch out for those countries). It sets people at ease, it’s contagious and it lets people know you like them. It’s the human equivalent of a wagging tail.
Buy her a drink
It’s the gift that keeps on giving. It loosens inhibitions, and it’s a universally accepted token of intent to court another’s affection. Or, you know, to sleep with them.
Prepare
Ok so learning an entire other language just to improve your chances of an overseas pull is pretty daft (after all we speak English so why bother) but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn some basics. “Get your coat, you’ve pulled” sounds way sexier in Italian anyway. Brush up the basics, speak loudly and then go big on the hand gestures – works every time.*
When in Rome…
This isn’t just about observing local customs, or participating in local-themed nights. Keep an eye on the local guys, see what techniques they employ to win over the ladies. This can be as much of a guide to what not to do as it is an indicator of what the locals respond to.
Be yourself
Our differences needn’t be a weakness. To the locals abroad, everything you do is a novelty. Don’t be afraid to speak English to them; even if they don’t understand a word of it, to them your West Country accent is exotic and charming. You are James Bond.
Gesticulate
This doesn’t mean give up, go home and flick open a copy of Razzle. For those times when your natural body language is a touch too subtle to get your point across, employ simple hand gestures.
Don’t get into a game of charades trying to describe the house where you grew up, and don’t make the ‘sex’ hand gesture (3rd date!) but if you want to know if she’d like another drink, you should be able to find out by shaking your hand in front of your mouth. If you’ve never done this before…practice.
Touch
You may have noticed these continental types kissing each other on each cheek as they greet. Other cultures in general can be far more comfortable with physical proximity than us Brits, and more touchy-feely when in conversation. Don’t go over the top, after all, you won’t actually be engaging her in conversation, so a casual grope might come as more of a shock. If it looks like things are going well though, a gentle brush of the fingers as you pass her a drink can be, while not overly familiar, surprisingly intimate. As Shakespeare put it “palm to palm is holy palmers kiss”.
Dance
This can be a tricky one to pull off, but if you got rhythm, show it. A good dancer can suggest great sexuality when he struts his stuff, and it’s what’s allowed the likes of Justin Timberlake and Har Mar Superstar to punch above their weight.
Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t but following this advice can give you a good start. And wear sunscreen.
*You’re right, it doesn’t.
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