If you’ve ever sat across from a beautiful woman, desperately racking your brain for something “cool” to say, you’re not alone. I used to think the same thing. I’d watch other guys confidently walk up to women, cracking jokes and owning the moment, while I sat there overthinking every word, waiting for the “perfect line.”
Spoiler alert: the guys who got the girl weren’t waiting for perfection—they were being real.
Now, let’s talk about how to impress women the right way, especially in our African context, where cultural nuances and expectations play a significant role.
The Big Mistake Most Guys Make
Here’s the truth: most guys feel an intense need to impress women. They act like they’re in an audition, putting on their best “I’m-so-cool” performance, thinking it’ll make her fall head over heels.
Wrong.
Trying to impress a woman often does the exact opposite. It screams, “I’m insecure. I need you to like me.” Women can spot this a mile away. It’s like showing up to a Nigerian wedding in Ankara when the dress code says “white and gold.” It just doesn’t work.
Why Trying to Impress Fails
When you try too hard, you send subtle messages that can kill attraction. These include:
- “I don’t think I’m good enough as I am.”
- “I’m not confident around women.”
- “I don’t know how to have fun or keep a conversation flowing.”
Women don’t want a man who’s overthinking every move. They want someone who’s confident, playful, and authentic—qualities that show you’re comfortable in your own skin.
The Secret to Impressing Women
Here’s the secret: STOP TRYING.
Seriously, stop.
Instead of trying to impress her, focus on creating a fun, lighthearted connection. Women are naturally drawn to men who:
- Don’t seek their approval.
- Are confident without being arrogant.
- Have a sense of humor and don’t take life too seriously.
It’s counterintuitive, but the less you try to impress her, the more impressed she’ll be.
What to Say Instead
Let’s say you’re out on a coffee date, and she asks, “What do you do for a living?”
Now, most guys would go for:
- “I’m a software engineer working on AI systems that revolutionize industries.”
While that might be impressive on a CV, it’s boring in a conversation.
Here’s a better response:
- “I solve problems for lazy people who can’t figure out how to work their gadgets.”
- Or, “I’m a secret agent… but you didn’t hear that from me.”
These responses add humor and intrigue, showing her you’re not desperate to validate yourself with your job title.
When she says, “No, really, what do you do?” lean into the joke:
- “OK, fine. I teach pigeons how to dance at weddings. It’s a growing industry in Lagos.”
By now, she’s laughing, curious, and fully engaged in the conversation.
How to Keep Her Engaged
- Be Playful
Instead of answering her questions like you’re on a job interview, turn the tables.
- When she asks, “What’s your ideal woman?” you could say, “Someone who doesn’t eat all my plantain.”
- Tease Her
If she orders the most expensive cocktail on the menu, tease her:
- “So this is how you bankrupt men on the first date? Good strategy.”
- Be Confident in Your Flaws
You don’t have to be perfect. If your shoe has a scuff, make a joke about it.
- “These shoes have seen more Lagos traffic than a danfo driver.”
Respect and humor go hand in hand.
You can be playful, but always stay respectful. For instance:
- If she mentions her parents, say something like, “Ah, so your dad is the one I need to impress? Don’t worry, I can cook jollof better than he expects.”
Playfulness shows confidence
The Golden Rule: Flip the Script
Here’s a game-changer: instead of trying to impress her, flip the dynamic. Make her work to impress you.
Ask playful questions like:
- “So, what’s one thing that makes you unforgettable?”
- “If I ask your best friend about you, what’s the funniest story they’d tell?”
Now, you’re the one in control of the conversation, and she’s intrigued by your confidence.
Final Thoughts
The next time you’re on a date or talking to a woman you like, remember: stop trying to impress her. Instead, focus on being confident, playful, and genuinely curious about who she is.
Think of it like cooking egusi soup—you don’t dump all the ingredients in at once and hope for the best. You add them at the right time, with just the right amount of spice.
When you stop overthinking and start having fun, you’ll notice something amazing: women will naturally be drawn to you—not because of what you say, but because of how you make them feel.
Why Nice Guys Finish Last (And What to Do About It)
You’ve probably heard it before:
“Nice guys finish last, and the jerks get all the women.”
At first glance, it seems painfully true. There’s always that loud, overconfident guy who seems to attract women effortlessly, while the genuinely kind, well-meaning guys are left scratching their heads, wondering where they went wrong.
But here’s the thing—you don’t have to be a jerk to attract women.
That’s right. You can remain a genuinely good guy while tweaking a few key behaviors that tend to sabotage your chances. Let’s break it down in a way that’s both practical and eye-opening.
1. Stop Playing by Restrictive Social Rules
Many “nice guys” operate under an unwritten rulebook of what’s “acceptable” or “unacceptable” around women. And often, their rules are unnecessarily restrictive.
For example, nice guys might believe it’s inappropriate to be playful or subtly flirtatious with women, thinking it’s better to stay “respectful” and “safe.”
Here’s the reality: Being playful and flirtatious isn’t disrespectful—it’s attractive.
You can infuse humor and light teasing into your interactions. For instance:
- If she says she’s late, you could say, “So you’re one of those people who sets their clocks five minutes ahead and still runs behind?”
This approach shows confidence and keeps the interaction lively, making her see you as fun and interesting, not just “safe.”
2. Take the Lead
In many cases, nice guys wait for the woman to make the first move or give them a glaring green light to act.
Bad news: Women rarely do that.
Whether it’s initiating a conversation, going in for the first kiss, or planning a date, you need to take the lead.
Why?
Because when you hesitate, it signals insecurity. And nothing kills attraction faster than self-doubt.
Here’s how to do it:
- If you’re on a date, guide the conversation confidently.
- If you’re interested, don’t second-guess yourself—express your interest.
Women appreciate men who know what they want and go for it, provided it’s done respectfully.
3. Say Goodbye to Boring Conversations
One major reason nice guys finish last is that their conversations lack excitement. They tend to play it too safe, sticking to dull topics like work or generic compliments.
Newsflash: Women crave emotional connection and fun in conversations.
Instead of talking about your 9-to-5 job, add some spice. For example:
- If she asks what you do, you can reply, “I’m a magician—I make boring conversations disappear.”
- If she shares a personal story, tease her playfully: “Ah, so you were the class rebel everyone secretly admired!”
These responses create intrigue and humor, making her associate you with fun and positive emotions.
The Nice Guy vs. The Jerk
Here’s the secret: women aren’t attracted to jerks because they’re mean—they’re attracted to the confidence, assertiveness, and unpredictability jerks often display.
The good news? You can embody those same qualities without being a jerk.
When you:
- Let go of restrictive rules,
- Take the lead,
- And make your interactions fun and engaging,
You’ll naturally spark attraction without sacrificing your values.
How to Turn This Into Results
If you’ve been stuck in the “nice guy” zone for too long, it’s time to shift gears. Don’t worry—this isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about adjusting how you show up.
- Be playful, not passive.
- Take action instead of hesitating.
- Stop talking to impress and start talking to connect.
Want a proven system to master this?
This isn’t about manipulation or losing your values—it’s about understanding how attraction works and stepping into your most confident self.