BE HER "GAY BEST FRIEND"

Then pounce. Its a cliché because theres truth in it: gay men get closer to women in a way that the average hetero guy just doesnt. Heres how it works :-

1. OPEN YOUR EYES Like women, gay men are sticklers for detail - and no gay man would fail to notice a womans hairdo/shoes/earrings, or to compliment her on them. But dont simply say that her new dress is "nice" - tell her its a fantastic color and looks expensive. A detailed compliment sounds much more genuine than a general one.

2. EMPATHIZE Straight men dont do empathy. Thats because, unlike sympathy, its hard work. It requires you to put yourself in someone elses shoes to understand their feelings. And gay men are masters at it. If a woman cries, a straight man will pat her on the back; a gay pal will join her in the wailing - and sometimes thats exactly what a woman wants.

3. DROP THE MACHO ACT Chest-beating may impress your male peers, but it doesnt work with women. In fact, one of the main reasons women and gay men get on well is because of their shared loathing of aggressive macho posturing. Thats why, when confronted with a violent situation, 80 % of women say theyd walk away or negotiate the situation rather than get stuck in.

4. EXPRESS YOURSELF Facial expressions are integral to the way gay men (and women) communicate. According to Alan Pease, co-author of Why Men Dont Listen And Women Cant Read Maps, women use six listening expressions every 10 seconds, while men only have one. Study her expressions and try to copy them.

5. LET DOWN YOUR GUARD Stoicism may well be an effective male self-defense mechanism, but its as boring as hell to women. Vulnerability, on the other hand, is sexy. Gay men have always known this. So next time youre with a woman, drop the stiff-upper-lip act - be bold and say that sometimes you cant cope and burst into tears. Then let her pull you close to her breast.

6. BLINK According to the Families & Social Capital Research Group, the absence of any sexual agenda with gay men boosts womens self-esteem - they feel valued for their personality. Men, however, are programmed to nipple-gaze, which tend to reveal your true intentions. So, to disguise your interest, flutter your eyelids.