Using a pickup line to get a woman’s attention is something I wouldn’t recommend doing. I’m also pretty sure that any woman would probably tell you it’s an awful idea too. Pickup lines basically imply that you lack intelligence–that you don’t have that charm a women wants to sweep her off her feet. They also have the tendency to come off as cheesy and outdated. Instead, try to be creative and use your wit to charm the pants off her, rather than drop one-liners with the intention of making her your immediate pillow partner.

Don’t think of this list as a bunch of pickup lines, they’re more conversation starters, intelligent ways to break the ice.

“Excuse me, is this seat taken?”

It’s innocent, charming and polite. Taking consideration of the fact that she may be saving a seat for someone shows that you have class. What makes it one of the effective pickup lines is that it’s unobtrusive. She can decide now to give you her non-interest politely, or invite you to take that seat, if she was indeed alone.

“Would you like to dance?”

Don’t use this one if you can’t dance; that’ll just make things worse. If you do have rhythm, you just may impress her and find yourself at the bar talking about music or whatever else.

“Can I interest you in a glass of… ?”

This one may not work well in a frat house where all that’s being served is beer from the keg. However, at an event or gathering that calls for a glass of wine or a martini, this line offers you the opportunity to be polite while displaying your skills as a connoisseur.

“Do you come here often? I could use your opinion about something…”

This is one of the pickup lines that sounds cheesy as hell. But let’s say you’re shopping for clothes; ask the pretty girl working there what she thinks of the outfit you just tried on. If you’re having a hard time deciding what to eat at the restaurant, solicit the advice of the lovely lady who frequents the place in question.

“Excuse me, can you help me with…?”

Similar to the previous line, but with this one you can have a little more fun. Get her to help you with something like disputing an argument between friends or naming a song that is playing. Using her response is a great way to start a conversation and requesting her assistance indicates you’re impressed with her appearance and value her answer.

“Don’t you find this place…?”

If she looks like she’s enjoying herself, ask her if she thinks it’s classy, cool, or chic. If she seems uninterested, now is the perfect time for the two of you to bond over your mutual self-loathing and disdain. Whichever way she is feeling, this pickup line will lead to further conversation.

“You look like you might be interested in some great conversation.”

If you say this with the right tone and with enough attitude, it’ll put a smile on her face. This will break the ice and it immediately creates a topic to discuss. It could be anything related to the situation you find yourself in with her. Just make sure you listen to her so you know where to take the conversation next.

“Would you like an escort to your..?”

You see a lady walking alone — perhaps to her table, an elevator or even the bar — it is always a nice gesture to politely offer her a sense of security. However, it’s likely that she won’t be travelling far, so this is one of the pickup lines that requires you turn on the charm quickly in an attempt to break the ice.

“Wow! I really like that (item of clothing or fragrance) you’re wearing.”

Most women put a lot of thought and effort into their look of the day. By complimenting her like this, you’re telling her that her efforts have not gone unnoticed. It’s a small gesture on your part but it boosts her confidence a lot and lets her know that you know what looks good when it walks by you. Asking her about her fashion options is a great way to start a conversation. I’m sure she’d love to tell you all about her Louboutin’s

“I just thought you should know that you have a really nice…”

Taking a moment to compliment something specific and unique about a woman’s features can go a long way in getting her to open up in conversation with you. The key here is to be genuine about your observation; women can tell when a guy is laying it on thick just to get close.