How to Get a Girl to Like You

"I really love it when I can see that a guy is making an effort with my friends. They're a huge part of my life and his taking the time to get to know them means that he cares about me. My boyfriend always makes them laugh, and he cooks for them a lot. We were all at a wedding last night and he even drove us to and from since there was no transportation." —Sarah B.

"It's so sexy when a guy exudes confidence, but without being cocky or talking himself up nonstop. Most of the guys I fall for tend to be low-key types who have this self-assurance about them, though you can't quite put your finger on where it stems from. Honestly, it makes me wonder if they're packin' below." —Laura G.

"I like when a guy asks me questions and really listens to the answers. It shows me that he's genuinely interested rather than asking just for the sake of asking." —Emily L.

"It's really important to me that a guy not take himself seriously. When he's willing to let his guard down and show me his doofy side, that's when I really feel at ease and able to be completely myself. Not long ago, I wound up at this bar with an Irish band playing. This guy I met earlier that night grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the floor, where we made some of the worst attempts at step dancing anyone has probably ever seen—but it was such a blast that we didn't care. I really loved his vibe and knew right away that there was something special about him." —Jena L.

"I love a man who's really outdoorsy. A guy who's good with his hands—building fires, trekking through the woods, pitching tents—he makes me feel safe, like he can take care of me. It's also sexy to know a guy can hold his own in any environment." —Jess J.

"My boyfriend took me on a two-day getaway for my birthday and he planned the whole thing. I feel like it's usually the girl that does the planning, so there's nothing like a guy putting together something you really like and taking initiative. Best of all, though, are surprises. When he and I were first dating, I was going away and in my guitar case I discovered a little note that said, "I'll miss you today." It was really cute, really simple and didn't cost a thing, but was so sweet and made my day. Just a gesture to say, "I like you, so here's a token." —Emily M.

"Being able to laugh at yourself and call a spade a spade at the right times can go a long way. I once met this guy that I thought was really cool, but I just couldn't remember his last name. After an attempt to track him down via our mutual friend's Facebook page went nowhere, I decided it wasn't meant to be. A few nights later, I cracked up when I saw a friend request with an accompanying message, "Some minor stalking may have been required." It turned out to be him, and I thought it was just the right balance of cute and funny, but, most importantly, honest." —Adrian B.

"I love to be teased. Playful shit-talking is one of my favorite forms of flirtation. It shows me that a guy is interested in me while demonstrating confidence and showing that he can hold his own in a battle of wits. He won't win, but it's nice to see him go down with a fight!" —Clara O.

"Go out right now and learn how to play a musical instrument. Whether it's a guitar or some drumsticks, there's no hotter prop a guy can have on hand than something that shows me he has a passion for making music." —Sarah S.

"My boyfriend went to dinner with his family at the place we went on our first date. I couldn't make it because I had to work, but he saw that chile rellenos were on the menu and, knowing I loved them, called me from the restaurant to tell me he was bringing them home for me. It was so thoughtful!" —Emily P.

"A guy wins me over when I know he thinks I'm his equal, he supports and is interested in my career, and wants me to reach my potential in every way." —Ellie S.

"Growing up in the South, I really like a man who knows how to be a gentleman. I don't need a guy to lay his coat on a puddle for me or anything, but a guy that opens doors and really shows a woman respect and manners is the most attractive to me. I'm a little old—fashioned in that way, but it's genuinely nice to feel like a lady." —Chloe T.

"My ex knew a lot about a lot of things and he always took the time to explain them to me. If he was watching car racing, he'd clue me into how it all worked to me so I could understand and get as psyched about it as he was. Mostly, I loved that he always wanted to teach me. There was always something new to learn from him, and he was really inclusive and excited to share. That energy wound up being totally infectious, and helped me take interest in a lot of things I wouldn't have expected." —Maia F.

"My parents and my guy are sort of on opposite sides as far as politics goes, but he's always good about having conversations with them. He always takes what they have to say into account and says things like, "Wow, I never thought about it that way." I can seriously take him anywhere. 90-year-old grandmas, little kids—he can literally get along with anyone." —Andy D.

"I work late a lot and remember a Valentine's present my boyfriend sent me back when I was at my old job. He was out of town at the time and I couldn't go pick it up because the post office closed too early. He wound up calling and rearranging the delivery of the package for me. It was a small thing but meant a lot because I was so swamped. He could tell I was stressed and went ahead and took care of it without even asking." —Andrea M.

"My boyfriend won me over with complete honesty and straightforwardness. We had been friends a long time and our first kiss was this one night after we'd both had a few drinks. He called me the next day to say, "So, let's talk about this." Guys don't tend to be so straightforward about what they want. It was really a mix of confidence and respect. Suddenly it felt like the door had been opened for the possibility of dating." —Tracy V.