So, I was reading a recent post about the difference and varied importance of inner game vs. outer game, and came to the realization that for the most part, the majority of my post have been about improving Inner game; reason being is that you have to be willing to try before you can succeed at anything. But I do agree that both are of paramount importance to success, and as such, I decided to give you all one of my most prized, valued, and successful tricks of the trade for outer game. I use this as an easy way to initiate physical contact and a fast track to rapid escalation:

Gentlemen, I give you "The History Lesson"

You: "You know anything about traditional English greetings?"

Her: "No"

You: "Well, when a nobleman would meet a lady, it was customary for her to offer her hand," (hold out your hand a wait for her to offer hers. Take it gently in yours when she does. "and for him to receive it in a firm, yet gentle grasp, and bow. (bow) Now, if the man was of a higher status, he would bow, but would not allow the hand to touch his face, like so. (demonstrate) Now, if the lady was of a higher status, or married, especially to someone who was of higher station, he would touch the hand to his forehead, like so. (demonstrate) Now, if the lady was single, and available, but the lord uninterested, he would offer a soft, quick brush of lips, not a kiss, but a show of respect, like so. (touch her hand with your lips, but don't kiss it)

"If the lord was interested, he would kiss her hand as he intended to kiss her lips. This was a demonstration to the lady of his tenderness and a clear sign of his intentions. Like this. (demonstrate) The really bold men would add a tickle to the women's palm as he kissed it, like so... (as you kiss her hand again, add a scratching, or "come here" tickle to her palm) This was a subtle, but clear indication that he wanted to kiss her above, while he "tickled her below". These were the signs they used before cell phones and text messages came along and made us all afraid to touch each other. Which, incidentally, is why I hate technology. You ever hear of Casanova? They say that when he meet a woman he intended to bed, he would add teeth and tongue to the gesture... like this... (demonstrate). Now personally, If I were a lord and you a lady, and we met at some extravagant ball, I would kiss our hand like this..." (Typically, I do something silly like kiss and slobber all over her knuckles and make pig sounds. Something to make her laugh, but do what ever you think will work best for you.

Now, in all honesty, this is total bullshit. I have absolutely NO idea if this is true or not, but the point is, you just spent five minutes holding and kissing her hand. You just got her used to a staple of intimate contact. And when done slowly and methodically, it's sexy as hell! Now, personally, at this point, I'd back away a bit and wait for her to initiate the next bit of contact, but from here on, it's just a matter of keeping it going and raising the bar each time. Wrap you arm around her waist or shoulders. Hug her. Kiss her. And progress.

Hope this lil piece of outer game works as well for you as it has for me.