How to Get Noticed by Men: 5 Real-Life Tips for Awkward Girls

As many of you know, I'm pretty awkward. Thinking back over my college-aged years, I can pinpoint some of my social idiosyncrasies as having a positive effect on getting noticed by boys. Although being socially awkward doesn't necessarily translate into dating or being liked, it certainly can get you some attention. Here are five tips for the socially uncomfortable who aren't all that particular about the kind of notice they want to get from the men around them.

1. Want to Get Some Special Attention from a Boy? Be Oblivious

One day I was walking down the street to drop off some goodie bags for two friends, having one bag in each hand. As I was walking, I could see up ahead two guys that I knew from Church who were playing catch with a football. I smiled before looking down, paying special attention as to not trip and fall. The next thing I noticed was a football making contact with my head. It hadn't actually hurt so I just kept walking. But, another girl certainly could've taken advantage of all of that apologetic concern and interest.

2. Want to Have an Excuse to Touch Hands? Be Clumsy

Another memorable moment of my early adulthood happened in my old apartment. I was sitting on the living room table a few feet away from the sofa while a boy was sitting across from me on the couch. It was in the winter, and I had on these adorable brown boots with giant and chunky heels. I went to cross my legs, forgetting how much longer my legs are with the tall shoes, and I clobbered the guy's hand with my thick heel. If I could've stopped laughing, I would've easily been able to examine the hand in great detail to make sure that all was well.

3. Want to Be Chased After? Be Adventurous

The awkwardness in my short play "Waiting for the Moment" is largely autobiographical. Although, opposed to having one normal girl and one crazy girl, the normal girl was nonexistent in real life and all the craziness my sister and I demonstrated was morphed into one central character. My sister really did platonically feel bad for snubbing "Ben" and convinced us to drop off cookies as a casual apology. I was the one who liked him and the one who acted especially awkward while delivering the cookies. The real story resulted in us awkwardly rushing out of his apartment while he was in the kitchen, which then prompted him to run after us, stopping us so that he could finish expressing his appreciation. Needless to say, going out of your comfort zone can get you some attention--and it can certainly provide fodder for families and friends in the years to come.

4. Want to Stand Out in a Crowd? Be a Prude

It's probably obvious at this point that I'm somewhat of a prude. Adding flame to the fire is that I'm very opposed to PDA, public displays of affection, and I'm very strict about working while actually at work--crazy, I know. One day my guy friend came into work and tried to give me a hug. Now, I realize hugging is fairly tame to most people, but there were customers around, and receiving an attempt at a romantic and extended hug at work is just one of those things I'd like to avoid. My visible discomfort and early exit of the situation was quite memorable for both of us, and I'm sure it made much more of a lasting impression than otherwise possible.

5. Want to Be Surrounded by Boys? Be Abnormal

I studied business in college. At the time of my schooling, approximately 80% of Marriott School of Management students were male--and that certainly was evident in my classes. When we were divided up in groups of 5, I was predictably the only girl in the group. Granted, not everyone finds Porter's five forces romantic. And, you may end up becoming "one of the guys" early on, finding yourself privy to information you never wanted to know--but, for a brief moment, you may be surrounded by boys and actually be recognized as a girl.

As always, proceed with caution. Best of luck!