Words have this mysterious power. They can be seductive; they can make us physically react: our hearts can pound stronger and faster, our pupils dilate, we might feel nervous or excited. When it comes to courting, it can be considered as a perplexed game of communication. It's not just what you say: it's making sure the timing is right and adding a bit of charm to it. It's also about body language, and confidence too. Do you think you have what it takes to give a different, modern twist to these ten quotes from classic literature, and use them as your pick up lines?
The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde (1891)
Pick up the line to try out: The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.
Translation: I know I’m irresistible to you. You seem like a challenge, let’s see what happens.
Might work: During the flirting game, if you’re truly smooth enough; better chances for a positive outcome if it’s summer.
Might backfire: If she gets the impression you’re a womanizer.
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen (1813)
Pick up line to try out: You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.
Translation: I’ve noticed you across the bar and you seemed like an interesting person; surely hope you will notice my humorous side.
Might work: If you tell it in the right, playful way; it could serve as a fun ice breaker, combined with a charming approach.
Might backfire: If a girl gets the impression you’re a creep.
The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexander Dumas (1844)
Pick up line to try out: We frequently pass so near to happiness without seeing it, without regarding it, or if we do see and regard it, yet without recognizing it.
Translation: It’s a shame people look at each other without actually seeing one another. Happiness is frequently in the reach of our hands and we should be grateful for it, take our chances! I’ve came to take a chance with you, ma’am *bows down with respect*
Might work: With a girl who enjoys deep conversations; so, use the line when exchanging thoughts with her, and if it gets exciting you start opening up a bit more.
Might backfire: If you say it at the wrong time or in a wrong way, so it actually turns out to be cheesy.
Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare (1597)
Pick up line to try out: Don’t waste your love on somebody, who doesn’t value it.
Translation: I see you’ve suffered with that douchebag, why not consider me as a potential choice?
Might work: On a girl with whom you’ve been in love forever, but she friendzoned you.
Might backfire: If her wounds are too fresh and she’s not in the mood to talk.
Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy (1877)
Pick up line to try out: If you look for perfection, you’ll never be content.
Translation: I might not be a 10/10, but be sure I’ll make you laugh.
Might work: If you’re witty and have a great sense of humor.
Might backfire: If the girl is too uptight or arrogant.
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (1856)
Pick up line to try out: An infinity of passion can be contained in one minute, like a crowd in a small space.
Translation: I’m so attracted to you. Like – a lot.
Might work: If it’s a girl you share a strong chemistry with. Or maybe if she’s had a few drinks.
Might backfire: If she feels that you are not genuinely interested in investing in a relationship.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1850)
Pick up line to try out: It is a curious subject of observation and inquiry, whether hatred and love be not the same thing at bottom.
Translation: I like you, but you kinda get on my nerves.
Might work: If it’s a girl you have a history with. Maybe you’ve always had a love-hate relationship, but now it seems like there might be some potential for the relationship to grow into something healthy.
Might backfire: If she’s not that into you and you’ve misinterpreted your relationship.
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez (1985)
Pick up line to try out: Age has no reality except in the physical world. The essence of a human being is resistant to the passage of time.
Translation: Age has nothing to do with love and I like you, even though you’re a bit younger/older than I am.
Might work: If she feels the same, strong connection with you.
Might backfire: If she starts calculating how old were you when she started going to elementary school. Or if she simply finds you creepy.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
Pick up line to try out: I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.
Translation: How about a party for two?
Might work: If you’re at a party, obviously. And if she finds you intriguing enough.
Might backfire: Simply – If she’s not interested.
Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (1848)
Pick up line to try out: Revenge may be wicked, but it’s natural.
Translation: Let’s make your ex-boyfriend jelaous and have fun along the way.
Might work: If she feels like it.
Might backfire: If she feels like you’re trying to take advantage of her vulnerability.
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