Seven>>>How To Be A People Magnet
The tag on the back of my shirt is driving me absolutely insane. I am close to ripping it off and sitting there across from her shirtless. Her name is Ria. Like my usual dates she has long dark hair and deep eyes. She is slender and has a great sparkling smile. We actually met through a mutual friend. These setups never work well for me though so my pessimism is running strong.
“So I almost feel empty in my life. I mean, you would think one girl couldn’t leave me feeling that…hollow. Like, that’s kind of pathetic right? If that’s the case? But I really do feel that empty. What do I do now? I don’t really have a job. My brothers and I used to record music, I’m sure Jesse told you that, but now that Zac’s in school and Isaac is taking a couple classes too, what is there to do? I don’t have a job. I don’t have as many friends as I’d like because of growing up in the spot light- you tend to avoid new friends in fear they’re after you because you’re…you. I just don’t know what to do with myself.”
She nods and takes a sip of her drink. I can see her trying to check her watch without offending me.
“I think I need more in my life. I don’t think I’ve ever felt whole and I need to fix this for myself. I need to change my life around. I need to stand on my own two feet without having some girl hold me up all the time. That’s what I’ve always done. Relied on girlfriends to help me.”
Probably not the best line to say to a prospective girlfriend.
“I have a lot to conquer right now. And though I feel exhausted and like I don’t want to try, I know have to.”
This is turning into a free therapy session and I can tell she is not into it.
She nods again. “Well Taylor, I really hate to cut this short but since you already paid and I have class tomorrow…”
I sigh and close my eyes. Right. Someone who does have a life.
“Are you going to be okay?”
I nod and keep my eyes closed, sliding down further in my chair and dropping my head back. Now I’m just being dramatic, but enjoying it completely. I already blew this anyway.
“Okay well thanks for dinner. We’ll keep in touch okay?”
Wow, she’s just so taken for me. She’s practically about to claw at my chest and pull my shirt off she wants me so bad. Maybe she should. I scratch angrily at the tag on my shirt.
“Alright, bye”
I open my eyes finally and look at her. “Yep you too. See you.” She walks off and I close my eyes and hang my head back again, sitting there in my misery for a little while until the waiter asks me if I need anything. In other words, could I please get up from looking like a defeated sociopath and leave the restaurant. Sure, what the hell.
I’m sitting in the university library with a pile of self-help books next to me. Zac kicked me out of dorm room. He said I was depressing him and besides, a girl from the floor down was supposed to be stopping by. Zac’s love life is so carefree. Probably because he doesn’t let himself get dunked so far into the milk. Or maybe he doesn’t count to 5 Mississippi. Maybe only 2 or 3 so he isn’t nearly as soaked.
I’m flipping through “How to be a People Magnet”. I think I need this book. Every girl I’ve been around in the past three weeks since Estelle and I split up has been completely turned off. It’s been a week since my last date when I poured my pathetic heart and soul out to an innocent college girl, Ria, looking for a lighthearted date.
Claus #2: Eye Messages
To turn mundane minutes into magic comments, I will let my eyes stay in contact for an extra second with everyone I speak with.
Although I tend to make a lot of eye contact already, I will shoot for that extra second. I keep reading.
Claus #3: The Expanded Thank You
Before saying thank-you, I will think to see if it fits to tell why I am thankful. Then I’ll say, “Thanks for…”
I can do that. Make it more personal.
Claus #4: The Trifling Touch
I will find appropriate occasions to allow my hand or shoulder to fleetingly touch another’s. It is like a quick as a wink caress. Rather than tapping someone on the shoulder to get attention, if appropriate, I will apply a longer, gentler, kinder, tender touch.
I can be tender.
Claus #5: Slow, Spillover Smile
From now on, no more automatic one-size-fits-all smiles. I will look at each person, see the beauty in him or her, and let the smile slowly erupt from my heart and over onto my face.
I close the book and toss it next to him. I am parched, I decide, and get up to look for a vending machine. I walk around with that lost expression on my face for a couple seconds, hoping someone will recognize the expression, take pity, and ask if I need help. No such luck for Taylor Hanson apparently. So I approach the front desk of the library. Maybe I will practice my new likeable skills. I compose myself, ready to see how magnetic I can really be.
I look at the girl behind the counter and look for her beauty. Her light brown hair pulled into some…bun ponytail contraption is soft. Her gray eyes are mystical yet endearing. I let the smile creep across my face and walk over to her. She sees me and smiles a bit, stepping closer to the desk so I can ask my question.
“Can I help you?”
I look straight into her eyes, making sure the smile is still plastered to my face.
“I was just wondering if you could tell me where I could find some vending machines? I’m really needing a diet coke about now.”
“Sure, if you exit at that door and turn left you’ll see one down the hallway there.”
Still working on my skills, I touch her arm and smile a little wider.
“Thank you for the directions.”
I walk off, feeling a little bit awkward about my new charismatic personality and search for my soda.