How To Craft The Perfect Flirty Pickup Line That'll Actually Work

In the dating world, how you communicate can make all the difference, even in the early stages. It's essential to be clear about what you want from a person. This will cut down on unnecessary small talk in the beginning and get down to the nitty-gritty. Is it a hookup that you seek? Or are you in the market for something a bit more meaningful? Whatever direction you're headed in, you want to implement your best pickup line.

Merriam-Webster defines pickup lines as "a prepared remark used by a person to start a conversation with a stranger they are interested in having a romantic relationship with." Now, these conversation starters can be unique to your personality or the other person's interests. They can be as cheesy or romantic as you want to make them. However, they can also be quite cringy if they don't land well. The goal is to appear flirty instead of creepy. So how does one execute a perfect pickup line without scaring away a potential partner? Well, there are a few foolproof tips that the experts swear by.

A study published in the International Journal of Humor Research found that funniness benefits people who are actively dating. For those already in a relationship, it was reported that humor increases their chances of remaining together. Therefore, using witty pickup lines immediately won't hurt. Certified dating expert Callisto Adams, Ph.D., also agrees with this method. "Compliments, a light and decent sense of humor, and modest confidence are always welcome and will enhance your 'game' when it comes to pickup lines in person or on an app," Adams told Women's Health.

She suggested steering clear of generic one-liners and going for something unique. Lean towards an amusing pickup line that will make them giggle and convey that you've paid attention to them before shooting your shot. Consider this corny yet charming example of a perfect option from Cosmopolitan: "Is your name Google, because you're everything I've been searching for." This sentence has everything Adams suggested: a lighthearted joke, praise, and enough self-esteem to know you used the right word choice. Don't let bad pickup lines be the reason you're still single.

If a casual rendezvous is what you want, there is still a way to deliver this message that creates a safe space for the person on the receiving end. This can be easy on dating apps, as many people outline exactly what they want on their profiles. If you've come across someone indicating they're looking for something fun as well, throw your best pickup line their way. If you've made it to the step of messaging them, there is a likely mutual understanding of what you both want. Still, awful pickup lines shared by BuzzFeed, such as: "Are you Medusa? Because you're turning me rock hard," are downright weird. Instead, send a greeting such as: "You look like you know how to have a good time! I like it" (via Women's Health). This opens the door for them to know you're up for a steamy meeting if they're down.

Flirting should be delightful and can actually work wonders for your mental health. Always keep in mind that the goal is to show attraction. Think of lines that have turned you off in the past. Bury those deep in your mind to ensure you never make anyone uncomfortable by using them. Once you've mastered your balance of quirkiness, comedy, and intention, get out there and put those pickup lines to work. If you find that you've been left on read for too long, that may be a hint to move on.