Humour Her (Just Don't Overdo It).

A new study reveals the most effective way to attract women.

Recently, the Internet has been buzzing over a new study on sexual attraction, published by Gil Greengross at the University of New Mexico in the US. Two years of contained research seem to confirm what most women will happily tell you—when it comes to getting a woman’s attention, humour is key. More specifically, Greengross says that a self-deprecating comic will steal the most hearts (and in all probability, the most phone numbers).

Here’s the trick: When someone can make us laugh at their own expense, they often appear more accessible. This is a hit with most women because a man who is comfortable laughing at himself appears confident, but not arrogant. Furthermore, someone who tells a joke about himself can get a laugh without the risk of offending his date by accidentally putting down a person, idea, or institution that she might hold dear.

Nobody likes a ham, but laughter can be a wonderful icebreaker and can really help ease tension on a first date. Of course, when using self-deprecating humour, you run the risk of highlighting major personal flaws. Make her laugh, but don’t make her run. You can avoid laying it on too thick by keeping your self-inflicted jabs quick, relevant, and superficial. Spending an entire date putting yourself down will only make you look like a depressive trolling for approval. Just remember to keep it light and appropriate. Cute cracks about your mundane job, clumsy feet, or embarrassing music collection will make you look warm and approachable without tarnishing her impression of your character.

For expert guidance, you may want to consult the recent works of Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, and Martin Freeman—actors who have self-deprecating charm down to a science. Fortunately, it doesn’t take a professional to make a girl grin, so don’t fret. Just be happy with who you are, flaws and all, and never take yourself too seriously.

Happy Dating!