can i buy u a drink?

Once, a guy told me I should write a column about the perfect come-on line -- "You know," he said, "the kind that works for just an average guy."

It sounded easy enough at first, but it didn't take me long to realize that there's no magical line that hooks girls all the time. A lot of the relationship equation is just being in the right place at the right time -- with a partner who's drunk enough/willing to take a chance on you.

Nonetheless, AskMen offers this list of what are supposedly 10 effective pickup lines. You be the judge:

10. "Excuse me, is this seat taken?"

9. "Would you like to dance?"

8. "Can I interest you in a glass of...?"

7. "Do you come here often? I could use your opinion about something..."

6. "Excuse me -- can you help me with...?"

5. "Don't you find this place...?"

4. "You look like you might be interested in some great conversation."

3. "Would you like an escort to your...?"

2. "Wow! I really like that (insert item of clothing or fragrance) you're wearing."

1. "I just thought you should know that you have a really nice..."

Note to guys: These aren't necessarily effective. Especially if you replace the ellipses with "bed" in No. 3, and replace the ellipses with "ass" in No. 1.