You love your single friend. You want them to be happy. You know they deserve someone amazing. But how do you help them find their perfect match?
By being a kickass wingwoman, of course!
A wingwoman is more than just a friend who tags along on a night out. A wingwoman is a master of the art of matchmaking, a champion of romance, and a loyal ally in the quest for love.
Whether you’re at a bar, a party, or a coffee shop, you can be a kickass wingwoman with these proven techniques:
Step 1: Have a Game Plan
Before you even step foot in the bar, restaurant, party, or other venue, make sure you and your friend are aligned on your strategy for the night.
- Set goals. Is the goal to get 2 phone numbers? Meet 1 potential date? Or just talk to 5 new people? Agree on measurable objectives so you know what you’re working towards.
- Identify venues. Find the right spots where your friend can shine. Is she into sports? Try a sports bar on game night. Does he like intellectual types? Hit up book readings or museum events. Align locations with their interests.
- Agree on a signal. Have a subtle physical or verbal cue so your friend can signal she wants to exit a conversation and regroup with you. This ensures she feels comfortable at all times.
- Define roles. Are you the life of the party who will start conversations while your friend takes it from there? Or are you providing moral support as they make the initial approach? Discuss how you’ll divide and conquer.
Having an advanced strategy gets you working as a team and sets you both up for success.
Step 2: Be Your Friend’s Hype Woman
A major part of your role as wingwoman is to hype up your friend and highlight the amazing qualities that would make them a catch for anyone.
- Compliment them. When you’re out together, find sincere ways to lift them up with specific praises. “You’re so charming when you talk sports trivia” or “Your smile lights up any room.”
- Talk them up. When conversing with others, organically work in mentions of your friend’s accomplishments, passions, talents, and values that would appeal to potential dates. But don’t go overboard.
- Boost their confidence. If you sense nerves or insecurity, provide an empowering pep talk. Remind them of their strengths and give them a motivational push to put themselves out there.
Your belief in your friend will help them believe in themselves. This confidence can manifest as added charisma when interacting with others.
Step 3: Master Conversation Starter Strategies
As the social lubricant, you can employ clever ways to kickstart conversations that your friend can then carry on.
- Ask fun questions. Break the ice by approaching groups with quirky icebreaker questions like “What’s your favorite 90s song?” or “Would you rather give up your phone or TV?” Fun prompts get people talking.
- Comment on the environment. If you’re at a bar, ask people about the beers on tap. At a bookstore, ask their opinion on a book. This gets the conversation flowing about shared experiences.
- Compliment them. We’re conditioned to engage when someone compliments us. Try “I love your shirt – the color is amazing on you.” Just keep it appropriate and sincere.
- Wingwoman: “Hey, quick question. My friend and I were debating – are pickles better than olives?”
Them: “Ha! Interesting question. I’d have to go with pickles.” You: “Me too. Oh hey, this is my friend [Your Friend’s Name].”
Now your friend is already part of the conversation!
Step 4: Keep the Convo Flowing
So you’ve initiated contact with a potential suitor – awesome! But your work isn’t done. As wingwoman, you now help keep the conversation flowing.
- Steer towards date-worthy topics. If your friend shares they love hiking, ask the other person about outdoor activities. Or if they’re a dog lover, ask about pets. Guiding the convo helps them bond.
- Draw out your friend’s date. Get them to share anecdotes that highlight their humor, intellect, passions, values, or other amazing qualities. Help your friend shine!
- Rescue lulls. If conversation hits a lull, revive it with observations about the environment, light jokes, or new topics. Don’t let the momentum die.
- Politely exit. If your friend gives the signal or body language that they’ve got this date locked in, graciously excuse yourself from the conversation.
Think of yourself as their conversational personal trainer, keeping things moving and bringing out their best self!
Step 5: Run Interference When Needed
One advantage of having a wingwoman is having someone who can run interference and help gracefully bow out of unwanted encounters.
- Rescue your friend. If someone is monopolizing their time or making them uncomfortable, use your agreed-upon signal to tactfully extract them from the situation.
- Intercept incoming “grenades.” If you spot someone coming over who looks unappealing or problematic for your friend, grab their attention first and start a convo to distract them. Take one for the team.
- Provide excuses. If an unwanted suitor insists on more convo, provide polite excuses like “So sorry but we have to meet another friend” as you steer your pal away.
Having you there as a buffer helps your friend avoid getting trapped in uncomfortable interactions.
Step 6: Ensure Follow Through
Your job doesn’t end when your friend secures a phone number or date invitation. As wingwoman, you help ensure things lead to an actual date.
- Talk up the date. After your friend gets someone’s number, enthusiastically chat about how excited this person seemed and how you’re sure it will lead to a great date. Your enthusiasm will motivate them to follow through.
- Help strategize the next moves. Offer constructive input as your friend plans where to suggest a meeting, what to wear, and conversation topics for the date. Your outside perspective provides helpful insight.
- Give a post-date debrief. Touch base after the date to hear how it went. Show genuine excitement at any success and if needed, help troubleshoot any issues that come up to improve next time.
Think of yourself as their date coach – ensuring an initial connection converts into a meaningful relationship.
7 Bonus Wingwoman Tips
Here are some additional tricks of the trade when you’re supporting your friend’s dating ventures:
- Scout prospects. Arrive early to spot potential matches you can steer your friend towards. Bonus if you can strike up a convo to prime the introduction.
- Have an escape plan. Always scope where the exits are in case you need to make a swift departure from an uncomfortable encounter.
- Watch drinks. Don’t let a potential date wander off to get drinks alone. Insist on going with or watching their drink, just to be safe.
- Carry supplies. Stash extra makeup, gum, mints, or anything else in your bag your friend may need to freshen up when out.
- Document digitally. Help your friend by snapping pics when they’re conversing with someone interesting. Candid photos make great profile pics later!
- Watch for red flags. As an objective outsider, you may spot problematic behaviors like anger issues, control tendencies, or excess drinking. Don’t ignore it.
- Have fun! While you’re supporting your friend, also relax and enjoy experiencing the thrill of the chase and possibilities of the night together!
Conclusion: Be the Ultimate Wingwoman
Being a fantastic wingwoman is about helping empower your friend in their journey to find romance. With the right mix of hype, strategy, and support, you can aid them in putting their best self forward in the dating arena.
Follow these tips to not only be a great wingwoman, but also strengthen your friendship. After all, navigating the ups and downs of relationships and dating is often made easier when you have a trusted friend by your side.
So grab your bestie and go forth as an unstoppable wingwoman duo! Confidence, fun and meaningful connections await.