Flirting at the Bookstore

At first glance, the bookstore might seem like a silly place to flirt.  Who dresses up and goes to the bookstore in hopes of being seen?  But a bookstore has several advantages over other locations, particularly if you’re looking to meet someone with relationship potential.  If you’re a reader, a bookstore is a great place to meet other readers.  If it’s a larger bookstore, you can also pick the section you’re most interested in, whether it’s cooking, travel, or religion.  Even the children’s section can serve as a meeting place.

Once you’ve picked your section(s), keep your eyes open for a girl you’d like to talk to.  As she flips through books, watch for a wedding or engagement ring or a tan line in their absence.  If you haven’t been able to catch her eye because she’s been too absorbed in her shopping, don’t be afraid to excuse yourself for disturbing her and ask her a question.  Has she seen a copy of [title]/anything by [author]/a book on [topic]?  If you recognize the title in her hand, ask if she thinks it’s any good since friends keep recommending it to you.  You can always say you’d like advice picking out a gift for a cousin about her age that you don’t know very well.  You can also do this in the children’s section and say your niece has a birthday coming up soon.  If you’re in a genre-specific section, you can say you’re interested in getting your feet wet, and can she recommend any good science fiction, biographies, etc.

If the person is actually interested in having a conversation with you, you’ve given them the perfect opportunity.  If not, you likely get an “I don’t know” or “Try [author/title]” followed by some intense shopping or phone fiddling.  Thank her, “search” a minute or two longer, and then move to another store or section.  If she wants to talk, you may have some insight regarding her interests based on which section you’re in.  Try asking her who her favourite photographer is in the art section, favourite type of crafting in the craft section, etc.  If you can find a good-spirited way to tease her about her answer, do so.  If this goes well, suggest continuing your conversation over coffee.  Large bookstores often have coffee shops attached and in the city there ought to be one nearby.  Eventually you’ll likely want to ask for her phone number.  If she says no, don’t be upset.  She may be in a relationship, even if she’s glad of the conversation.  Giving out your phone number is a greater commitment than talking about books.  If you think that asking for her number might be too much pressure, you can suggest she find you on Facebook or similar social networking site.  Don’t do this if she’s already refused to give you her phone number.  This will make you look clingy and desperate.  Remember that strangers are some of the best people to flirt with because if things don’t go well, you’ll likely never see them again, yet you feel particularly accomplished if you get a number.