There's a beautiful quote from the movie "We Bought A Zoo" where Benjamin Mee tells his son Dylan, "You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you something great will come of it."
Benjamin later recounts the first time he met his wife. He had just 20 seconds of insane courage when he introduced himself to her, and as the saying goes, the rest is history.
The situations where we need 20 seconds of insane courage the most are those trying times of dating. Between going on a date with a guy or girl for the first time, telling him or her those difficult three little words, or even getting down on one knee ... it all requires just a bit of embarrassing bravery. But something great has to come of it (eventually).
Bravery can be as simple as a smile or as hard as the truth. But if you want to win him over you've got to have at least 20 seconds of insane courage. Here are 20 ways you can win him over in 20 seconds:
1. Be brave
With even an ounce of bravery, you can be the one to make the first move. A little courage will go a long way.
2. Put your doubts aside
Doubting yourself is only going to bring you down. Those doubts will stop you from reaching out and perhaps doing one of the best things you've ever done in your life.
3. Smile
A little smile can go a long way. Each smile is unique from the rest, so use yours. Smiling will only make you more beautiful and attractive in his eyes.
4. Be kind
There's no room for bitterness or hatred in the world. Be nice and kind to all you meet, especially when you're with someone you're interested in. Kindness goes the extra mile.
5. Don't hesitate
When you're nervous (or caught off-guard) it's easy to hesitate. Hesitation shows weakness. Be brave and do what you set out to do in the first place. It will only show how confident you are.
6. Look your best
Dressing up never hurt anybody. It will only make you feel beautiful and better about yourself. Besides, when you look beautiful, your man is sure to take notice.
7. Use your eyes
It's said that the eyes are a window into the soul. Everyone's eyes are unique. If you use your eyes to communicate, you will make a deeper, more meaningful first impression.
8. Smell nice
Putting on a little perfume or rubbing on some nice smelling lotion will only help. Humans have a keen sense of smell and we're attracted to certain, beautiful scents. If you smell nice, you'll stand out.
9. Be genuine
Any amount of sincerity will say a lot about you. If you are genuine with what you say, those words will touch his heart and he'll be much more likely to respond in a kind way.
10. Have respect
Be respectful in all that you do. But in those racing 20 seconds, being respectful will allow you to get a foot in the door. Showing respect for someone in any situation will make you look good and is a great quality to have for the rest of your life.
11. Say something witty
A good pick-up line here and there can never hurt. Most will evoke a laugh and there's nothing better than being able to make someone laugh. The ability to be funny is an attractive quality to have.
12. Make eye contact
Making eye contact shows that you're not only focused or listening, but you care about what what is being said. Making eye contact is a little daunting, but it makes a great impact on another person.
13. Give a gentle touch
Warm, loving feelings can only be evoked through a sincere, gentle touch. Be flirtatious and show your interest through a little gentle touch. They mean more than you know.
14. Put your phone away
That text, phone call and all of social media can wait for (at the very least) 20 seconds. Keep the phone off, away and out of sight. in those 20 seconds of insane courage, the only thing you should care about is the person right in front of you.
15. Focus
All of your attention should be on who you're talking to or what you're doing in those 20 seconds of courage. Don't fidget or fumble, be focused on the person or task at hand.
16. Be positive
There's never a place for negativity. Make an effort to be positive in all you do and say and others will notice. Positivity affects those around you.
17. Give yourself a chance
With bravery and courage, you need to to be able to give yourself a chance at the possibilities. Don't hold yourself back. Give into the chance that something good can happen from 20 seconds of insane courage.
18. Be confident
Confidence is key to doing practically everything. Confidence will brighten your demeanor and make you look beautiful. Being confident will show you're willing to take risks and do things you may not normally for the sake of the greater good.
19. Give a compliment
Any sort of compliment is sure to bring a smile to his face. It will also show you care. That sort of kindness is sure to leave a good impression, one that could be remembered for a long time.
20. Be yourself
Most importantly, just be you. Don't put on a face just because you're trying to be brave. Be yourself. People will love you for who you are and that's what matters most.
Do any of these things with 20 seconds of insane courage and you'll be able to win him over in a heartbeat...and accomplish anything you set your mind to.
