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Dear single ladies,

Ever since high school, when I developed a crush on a boy three years older and three times cooler than me, I have been obsessed with the strategy of romantic influence. In this article, I will share what I’ve learned — in theory and practice. Here are the seven steps to turning a campus crush into something more:

1. Who:

Starting strong with the bad news: This person has to come to you. It can be frustrating to wait around indefinitely for a campus crush to find you, so the good news is that you can increase your chances by going outside! Hang around Chick-fil-A in Duncan Student Center, or study in the hallway desks of DeBartolo. Most hot people work out in the Smith Center, have classes in DeBart or burn through their Flex Points for lunch.

2. Approach:

Once you spot your crush, you can approach them as soon as you see them. For example, if you see a cute, well-known athlete on campus, don’t wait for him to ask for your number! Approach him with any topic you can think of; I like to use ones we both know about (what sport they play, any burning questions you’ve had for someone in their position, etc).

3. Follow/add them on social media:

It may sound crazy, but this technique may be my most well-proven in piquing someone’s interest. The trick is to follow them on social media immediately after you meet. Even with hot, cool people I meet briefly in passing — more often than not — I get a follow back or message. It simply shows you are interested in getting to know them more and acts as a subtle, virtual compliment.

4. Remind them:

This one works best in person. If you see them out, at a bar, on campus or in class … approach again and say hi. Remind them of who you are; keep yourself on their mind. If things don’t work out with them, who knows, maybe something could work out with their friend!

5. Network:

Talking to their friends is a great way to keep yourself in the loop or to meet them in the first place. Even connections from childhood can link you with the person you’re interested in. I got to know a group of guys better outside of class simply by making the association that we both know someone from my hometown.

6. Find common interests:

Some guys wear their primary interest like a brand. If he continuously reposts a musical artist to his story, maybe listen to some of their tracks so you have a backup conversation piece when things hit a lull. This definitely works best if you can find something you’re interested in too! An ex-flame and I found out we both play the same mobile game, and playing it together brought us closer during a long-distance talking stage.

7. Strike while the iron is hot:

This doesn’t necessarily mean immediately. You could be waiting for ages, like I sometimes am, for the right opportunity to make your move. A special occasion, like a formal or simply being in the right place at the right time, is when you really need to be brave and know that opportunities don’t come around all the time. For example, a guy I was interested in for months (I used all of these steps with him) kept me in limbo at step six, thinking nothing would ever happen. One incredibly-timed night, we were in the same place at the same time, and all of the tension was built up for this exact, perfectly-executed moment.

At our traditional university, chasing a man might not seem “right.” Some extremely beautiful people, like my roommate, can afford to think this way because suitors relentlessly approach them. Others, like me, put themselves out there to make what they really want happen. However, it’s important to note that these techniques only help you give them what they want — sometimes it feels like guys only want one thing. Getting them to “fall in love” with you or actually want to ask you on a date is something I have not yet succeeded in. (But note that begging doesn’t work.) Heck, if I could do that, then I wouldn’t be writing these columns!

Use with caution,

The Irish Cupid