Five steps to be an ace wingman

You've got style, you've got swagger, and you've probably got that one friend who's out to have a good time, but has trouble doing so because he has a tendency to shoot himself in the foot, or has been out of the game for too long. That's where you step in.

To be his Batman or Robin; or Bette Midler, the wind beneath his wings, in case he is the sensitive sort. Whether you're at a house party or a pub, here are some tried and tested tips to being a seasoned wingman.

"The key to being a successful wingman is to be extroverted, confident and secure," says Pritish, an advertising executive, who's been often asked to play the role of a wingman by his friends.

Bro code 101

Thou shalt not lay hands on thy friend's girl. Once your friend has laid his eyes on a particular girl, your only job is to support him. It's about taking the hits for him. You've also got to have your friend's back — so if you think he's blowing it, discreetly let him know or step in accordingly. Since there are other men on the prowl, your job is to also deftly steer them away.

Friendsville central

Very rarely will you see a woman by herself at a club, bar or a party. Women party in pairs or groups. Your best bet is to approach them together (if the group is large), or let your friend take the lead (if the group is small). As a wingman, your sole duty is to get the main girl's friends' attention. "You are there to serve as a distraction," says Zahir, a developer, who's been his buddy's wingman. Sometimes, that includes engaging a girl's friend who isn't on the same hot-o-metre scale, but you're willing to let it slide, so your buddy can make his move. If you are single, and happen to score with one of her friends, then bonus points to you; but don't take that as a sign to bail, either.

Smooth operator

"Your friend's future with a girl depends on it," says Pritish. "So speak well, dress well and be interesting." A seasoned wingman will make his friend "look good by talking him up, and knows exactly when to leave." Conversely, "Don't charm the pants off your friend's main girl and her friends, because this could backfire," he adds. It's a fine line, tread carefully.

Booze Cruise

"A wingman should know how to handle his drinks," says Zahir. It's easy to lose the plot and get carried away, but it's a disaster in the making if you fail to keep count.

Plan B

Being a wingman also means having a back-up exit plan in place. So, if your friend has won the hot girl over, and is planning to take her out for a midnight coffee later, be prepared to Uber it when he asks you for your car keys. The same goes for money — cover your friend, if he unexpectedly happens to be short on cash, too.

— askmen.in