Cute boys ahead. Now what? Want more boy attention? Fine-tune your crush skills here

Girls' Life, Dec, 2004 by Jodi Bryson

Boys wooing girls? Since when? Probably the most infuriating thing we gals are supposed to swallow is that Hollywood fantasy where the boy chases after the girl because he can't not from the sheer white-light force of his undeniable love. Uh-huh ... right. Or how 'bout when the leading lady can't even decide who to like because there are two guys who like her, darn it! Romance like that is faker than Lindsay Lohan's ... tan.

According to the people who study dating trends, girls go after guys way more than guys go after girls. Whatever the maneuver--the approach, the date invitation, the phone call--females now typically do most of the legwork. These days, a girl really needs some game to get a guy's attention.

To discover your own romance style, take this quiz, and see what type of crush groove is most your speed when it comes to cool, boy-catching strategies. Then, practice on your unsuspecting crush--he'll be yours in no time.

1 The last time you said anything to a boy, you were ...

a. offering him an Advil because he said his head was pounding.

b. asking your cousin to pass the sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving dinner.

c. ordering fries with your burger.

d. getting his spin on the new Halo 2.

e. chatting it up with your crush's best buddy's next-door neighbor.

f. asking him if he'd like to catch The Incredibles Saturday night.

2 Your idea of a bold maneuver is...

a. seeing if he needs an extra hand for the car-wash fund-raiser this weekend.

b. spilling to someone other than your BFF that you have a crush.

c. fake-falling in front of your crush so he has to help you up.

d. asking a guy for his help with your history project.

e. getting your friend to tell your crush that you're into him.

f. telling your crush what flavor lip gloss you're wearing.

3 On Friday night, the best way to get some quality crush time is by ...

a. going to his usual weekend hangout and telling him you need to bum a ride home because your buds bailed.

b. spying on him with your friends.

c. bumping into him accidentally-on-purpose at Tacos Amigos, where he scarfs nachos weekly with his crew.

d. disconnecting your printer, then calling him to see if he'll come over and "fix" that darn thing.

e. having your girls scout out where he and his boys will be hanging, then making sure you're there.

f. dialing him up to see if he wants to come over to your house and watch Van Helsing on DVD.

4 Your crush is kinda sorta getting that you dig him. Your next move is to...

a. let him know you noticed he got a C- on the English exam and you'd be happy to help study next week.

b. just keep sending him telepathic crush thoughts, and hope he picks up on your "I like you" vibe.

c. magically appear at every place he's at so he has unlimited opportunities to chat you up if he wants to.

d. find out what he's good at, like snowboarding, and then mention to him how much you've always wanted to learn to board.

e. get your best friend to get a vibe from his best friend as to whether or not he'd go out with you.

f. dress to the nines, wait for him by his locker, and flirt away.

5. You get a hall pass during fifth and, as you're strolling along, you realize your crush is walking toward you, None in the hall with him, you ...

a. stop to ask him why he's not in class--did he get called to the office?

b. manage to mutter "hi" but then just keep on moving because you're beyond weirded out.

c. stop, smile sweetly, and say, "Are you following me?"

d. tell him you're off to see the guidance counselor, and ask whether he's got any advice on how to keep her yapping so you'll miss the rest of your mega-dull geometry class.

e. act like he's invisible and wait to see if he talks to you first.

f. tell him it must be fate, then remind him that he still hasn't called you.

SCORING

MOSTLY A's GO-TO GIRL

You pride yourself on tuning in to the needs of others. When your best guy bud fails his bio exam and is totally bumming, who's he gonna call? You--and that's cool. You're a great listener, you can keep a secret, and you're all sympathy and shoulders to lean on. Still ... does the "I feel your pain" vibe cut it when it comes to getting a boyfriend? It can ... sometimes.

YOUR BEST ICEBREAKER "Hey, are things going better between you and Coach Stevens?"

WHY IT WORKS If a guy feels comfy enough to open up to you about a prob, you've got his trust. You can also make him feel great by telling him how well he handled a tough sitch.

WHEN TO WATCH IT Someone had to birth him, so chances are he already has a morn. In other words, don't serve up criticism he didn't ask for. And timing is key: Never hang around waiting for him to leave a rough b-ball practice so you can "be there" for him--he could get annoyed. You don't want him thinking he's another act of charity in your do-gooder day.

THE BOTTOM LINE Be genuine--and patient. It takes time for a guy and girl to build a solid, close bond--but it definitely can be worth the effort.

MOSTLY B's SECRET ADMIRER

You spend every waking second daydreaming about your crush--what you will talk about while strolling in the softly falling snow, what Maroon 5 tune will be "your song," what you'll name the four kids and golden retriever you're gonna have one day. Meanwhile ... he has no clue you like him. Can you get acquainted without facing total embarrassment? Sure thing.