Maybe it's a really cute guy/gal/non-binary pal in your English class. Maybe it's an intriguing enigma of a person in your interactive media course. Maybe it's some rando you run into in the student union every other day, and you just can't figure out which class you used to have with them. Either way, it's time to stop making eye contact and start making...uh...other forms of contact? Like verbal? And when you do, you want them to remember your efforts.
Disclaimer: you probably shouldn't do any of these things.
1. Wink at them with one eye.
GiphyReally get into it. Make it the most obvious, extra wink you've ever performed. It might sound redundant to say "with one eye," but anything is possible in this household, including...
2. Wink at them with two eyes.
GiphyThe less intellectual being would call this blinking, but you know better. Hit 'em with that double wink for twice the flirty effect.
3. Ball up a page of your notes and toss it at them (gently).
GiphyIf they seem confused or offended, explain that you know they missed the last class period and you just wanted to help out. They can't turn down your painstakingly accurate transcription of the last lecture without coming across as rude.
4. After class (or whenever they aren't busy), ask if they want to trade Pokémon cards.
GiphyThis will be just the nostalgic blast from the past they need to get them through the rest of the day. You'll really impress them if you can pull out a first-edition Charizard.
5. Start doing jazz hands vigorously the next time they look at you.
GiphyI mean, this action speaks for itself. There is no friendlier way to introduce yourself.
6. Snap your fingers every time you make eye contact from now on until they finally break and ask you why you're doing it.
GiphyIt's like classical conditioning, right? Or something like that? I don't know, but it's sure to yield results.
7. In the middle of class, pull out a disco ball and start a party.
GiphyParties are great places to meet people, or so I've heard. If you don't know which parties they're frequenting, create your own! If it's a party, it's normal to talk to people with whom you wouldn't normally speak, so now you can just go right up to them.
8. Go to the classroom early and set up a complex system of levers and pulleys which will deliver an index card with your number on it right to their desk.
GiphyIt's like science class in middle/high school all over again. You should do really well here if you have some experience with a physics class. Extra bonus points if this IS a physics class.
9. Steal their unassigned assigned seat.
GiphyThis is bound to start a conversation. If it's the last week of class and they've been sitting in the same seat all semester, the ultimate power move would be to sit in that seat. Will they confront you? Will they concede their precious chair to you? Oh, the suspense!
10. Start mouthing random words to them across the room.
GiphyThey'll be doubly confused since the two of you don't normally speak. What is this mysterious information you're trying to relay to them? It must be important if you're doing it in the middle of class!
11. Randomly pop into another one of their classes and pretend to have been a member of that class all along.
GiphyBonus points if it's a class with under twenty students. Make your Eye-Contact Partner (ECP) think they're crazy for not having noticed you earlier. It might be wise to plan this out with the teacher and the rest of the class ahead of time, though, because things might be awkward if everyone is telling you that you don't belong.
12. Honestly, you can just talk to them.
GiphyPossibly my wildest suggestion yet: getting up the nerve to say, "Hello." Ask them how they felt about the latest homework assignment or, if you're feeling particularly frisky, ask them out to lunch. In the end, they really are just another human being...and if they keep making eye contact with you, maybe there's something there already.
So yeah, I hope you'll use* these foolproof methods of friend-procurement that I have provided for you. Would I personally do these things? No, no I would not. But be brave and go make yourself a new friend!
*You alone are responsible for any miscommunication resulting from following the advice presented in this article.
