Pass Her Tests

Sex and Relationships: How to Impress a Woman

Women have cunning little tricks they use to measure your romantic potential. Get your cheat sheet! Your game’s a sham, and she knows it: Springing for a drink is nice but ultimately transparent. "Men are always giving off signals as to how they’ll act when they’re not trying to impress you," says April Masini, author of Date out of Your League. Lucky for you, we snagged the pop-quiz answer key:

The Hookup Test

Athletes and rock stars get girls because they’re cocky and coordinated. "If he’s graceful, confident, and calm, then you can assume he’d be better in bed than a clumsy clod," says Nicole Beland, the Men’s Health resident Girl Next Door. Air hockey could be her way of giving you a tryout. Our advice: Don’t flub the puck.

The Humor Test

She’s ripping on your Journey T-shirt for a reason. "If he can laugh it off or zing me back, it means major points," says Kjersti, 23. "A woman wants to feel like ‘He gets me,’" says Dennie Hughes, author of Dateworthy. "She wants someone who’s just as sarcastic and cerebrally funny."

The Jealousy Test

Play it cool, but not too cool, when she leaves your side. "If he’s too supportive of my venturing out and trying something new — like talking to other men at the bar — I’ll take the hint and move on," says Cristina, 24. "If he’s silent, then I’ll take it that he’s jealous, which is kind of hot."

The Backbone Test

Doesn’t matter if she’s taking a stand on politics, hunting, or how much to tip: She wants to see how you handle a healthy disagreement. "Women want to know that you have a spine and are able to discuss difficult topics," says Hughes. "Men who can debate with grace are men who will be able to help navigate the difficult issues that occur in every relationship."

The Service Test

Shaft the waiter or the bartender and you’re revealing your real self. "She’s looking at how you treat other people," says David Wygant, author of Always Talk to Strangers. Also, be gracious but brief when said waitress or bartender is wearing a halter top with a plunging neckline.

The Long-Term Test

Extra credit: Pass every one of these tests and you could find yourself watching her attack cat for the weekend or spending a day shopping alone with her mom. She’s seeing how much you’ll sacrifice for her if she’s not around, says Wygant. "She wants to make sure you want all of her, including the painful parts."