A Completely Un-Creepy Guide to Meeting Strangers at Bars

Or, how not to be "that guy."

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Dating in New York is one of the most painful things about living here, right after figuring out how the hell you're going to split your Con-Ed bill among all five of your roommates (two of which classify their employment status as "Just joined a sugar daddy dating site"). With winter rearing its ugly head, you're stuck sitting on Facebook scrolling through your former high school peers in suburban wherever who are busy getting engaged and/or welcoming baby number two. Meanwhile, you're one of the city's emotionally detached denizens, lacing up to begin the annual race to find that special someone to share cold beds and hot toddies with for the next several months. How else are you going feel OK about that winter gut you've developed?

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Eye contact > grilling a hole in her jeans.

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Buy a round of drinks; don't try and buy them.

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Don't use nicknames. Ever.

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Your dance moves are not impressive.

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Don't talk about how you're a DJ or a photographer.

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Don't go up to that person you saw on OkCupid.

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Don't bring your obnoxious friend.

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Don't beg.

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A dog is a great wingman; your kid is not.

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Find a seat at the bar.

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Don't take tips from reality television.

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Don't hang out by the bathrooms.

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Don't get shit bombed.

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Say yes to games and activities.

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Read her body language.

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Become a regular.

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