Dating advice: How to talk the talk

It seems as though chat up lines have got themselves a bad reputation over the years. In our upside-down world of dating, where there is no longer any etiquette, chat-up lines have become hugely associated with being ‘hit on’ in a bar or club by undesirable characters (and haven't we all been there?).

The truth is, though, that meeting new people isn’t easy. Approaching new people is even harder. I mean, what do you say? Do you introduce yourself? Do you talk about the weather? See, not that easy.

It’s a common misconception that woman hate chat-up lines, but actually they can prove to be great ice breakers. In fact it has been found that women are more likely to fall for a man if he breaks the ice with a cheesy chat up line. The theory being that women appreciate a man with a sense of humour, and a chat-up is a good way to display that. Having a ‘ballsy’ or confident attitude is also very attractive to the opposite sex. You see, chat-up lines are just a way of grabbing someone's attention and showing them that you like them - in a light-hearted way. And there’s no harm in that, is there?

Now don’t get me wrong, no one wants to be approached by a complete loser jeering ‘get your coat love, you’ve pulled’. That kind of talk is likely to warrant an unfriendly stare that asks ‘Who are you? How dare you invade my personal space?’, even from some of the most forgiving of people. But used at the right time, in the right way, they can be effective, if not genius.

So we think it's time to make a stand and bring back the good old chat-up line. Not the creepy type that will likely get you slapped, but the fun and cheeky type that will get you talking, if not get you a date. To start the ball rolling we’ve done a little research of our own and found some of the best, the worst, and the down-right cheesiest chat up lines, for you to enjoy. Who knows, you may even want to put some of them into practice…

The good

• I lost my phone number, can I borrow yours?
• Hi, I'm Mr. Right. Someone said you were looking for me.
• You see my friend over there? He wants to know if you think I'm cute?

The bad

• Can I have a picture of you so I can show Santa what I want for Christmas?
• Are you a parking ticket, because you have got fine written all over you!
• If I had one chance to rearrange the alphabet, I would put U and I together.

The cheesy

• Did it hurt? When you fell out of heaven.
• Do you believe in love at first sight ... or should I walk past again?
• The only thing your eyes haven't told me is your name.

Ok, so even the good ones are more than a little cheesy, but that shouldn’t stop you! Why not pick your favourite and road test it next time you see somebody you like? You might have some rejections (it happens to everyone), you will most definitely have some laughs, but best of all, you might end up starting the one thing you were looking for.

Warning: These chat up lines are no guarantee that you will pull...