Step 1. When you spot her across the room, 'the Lasso' is NOT your next move.
Step 2. As hard as it may be, remember that Mr. Darcy didn't stare down Elizabeth's top!
LAL262426 Cowboy lassoing cattle (gouache on paper) by Angus McBride (1931-2007)/ Private Collection/ Look and Learn
WH48616 Flirtation, 1902 (gouache on paper) by Walter Sigmund Hampel (1868-1949)/ Whitford & Hughes, London, UK
Step 3. Muster the courage to ask her out. Remember the lessons learned from the classic, 'Face and Facebookability.'
Step 4. Cooking badly is endearing; cooking well is a home run; ordering take out from Uncle Pete's Chili Shack means you'll have an early night.
NOO55584 Fan Flirtation, 1908 by Henry Gillard Glindoni/ Private Collection/ John Noott Galleries, Broadway, Worcestershire, UK
HJN343258 Valentine, 2008-09 (mixed media) by Henry John (Contemporary Artist)/ Private Collection
Step 5. Listen. Not listen and give advice, just listen. And nod. Sing 'Sweet Home Alabama' in your head to get the right nodding speed.
Step 6. Don't assume she needs doors opened for her, as most are automatic nowadays. But a little chivalry goes a long way!
CHT252573 Postcard depicting two lovers, 1932 (colour litho) by Italian School/ Private Collection/ Archives Charmet
BAG13619 La Belle Dame Sans Merci, exh 1902 (oil on canvas)) by Sir Frank Dicksee/ Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, UK
Step 7. Gifts are not necessary, unless they are for her.
Step 8. Losing a game of tennis to your better half isn't going to kill you. The British have been doing it at Wimbeldon for 80 years.
CH356598 Bracelet containing a miniature of Marie-Amelie, Queen of the French (gold, pearls, turquoise and w/c on ivory) by French School (19th century)/ Christie's Images
CHT252575 Postcard depicting lovers on a tennis court, c. 1930 (colour litho) by French School/ Private Collection/ Archives Charmet
Step 9. In the words of the immortal William Shakespeare....'if you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it.'
Step 10. If you plan on getting old and gray together, tell her she looks beautiful even when she's wearing a hair net, orthopedic shoes and elastic waist pants.
PFA177662 The Proposal (oil on panel) by Manuel Garay y Arevalo (c. 1885)/ Private Collection/ Bonhams, London, UK
PNP254338 Listening to one of President Roosevelt's 'Fireside Chats' on the radio, Kansas, c. 1930 (b/w photo) by American Photographer/ Peter Newark American Pictures