Ledger

Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment

He knows over 1,100 pickup lines, and he challenged students to test his skill by asking them to provide the beginning of any pickup line, stating he could finish any line-nobody took the bait.

The Event Dawgs, who are responsible for sponsoring different social, cultural and entertainment events, invited "Dating Doctor" David Coleman to Carwein Auditorium on Jan. 23 to speak on topics such as love, attraction, and the worst pickup lines ever used.

"Are you a pirate?" Coleman asked as an example. "Because I want you to give me all your booty!"

Coleman was the inspiration for the title character of the romantic comedy movie"Hitch," although he was quick to point out the key differences between himself and his movie self.

"I admit, I look more like (movie sidekick) Kevin James than (leading man) Will Smith," said Coleman.

But unlike the movie, which ends with true love triumphing over all, the real life Dating Doctor advocates a more pragmatic approach to romance.

Coleman seeks to rehabilitate notions of love that, despite containing deep roots in romantic movies, are often harmful or unhealthy in the real world.
The presentation was aided by a slideshow projected on the auditorium wall, listing his most important information point by point.

One such point that Coleman spent a significant amount of time with: Should a relationship complete me?... No! … Complement me? … Yes!

"I don't like the idea that a person completes you," Coleman said. "What happens if your boyfriend breaks up with you tomorrow, or your husband suddenly dies? Are you suddenly an incomplete person? Of course not!"

The lecture was preceded the day before by a showing of "Hitch," which ends with Smith's character aiding James in winning back his true love after she dumps him. But in real life, Coleman would advocate that James could have moved on, and found another person perfectly suitable to marry.
"Do you believe in true love?" one woman in the audience asked, during the presentation's five minutes of open questioning.

Coleman repeated the question to himself, pausing a few seconds before answering.
"Short answer: No," Coleman said. "And here's why: Even if the one person who was perfect for you was in the same football stadium as you, you still have to be lucky enough to purchase seats next to each other.
"I'm sure there are people in Tacoma who were born in Tacoma, live and work in Tacoma, will probably live here for the rest of their lives, and they had no problem finding somebody to marry in Tacoma."
Further demonstrating his self-described "straight talk," Coleman stated his distaste for Valentine's Day.

"Romance is supposed to be spontaneous," Coleman said. "What the hell is spontaneous about a set day in which you're expected to shower your woman with gifts and love?"
Instead, he gave this tip for the men in the audience: On Feb. 13, send your girlfriend a bouquet of flowers with a handwritten note that says, "Because no one as special as you should wait one more day."

Throughout the auditorium, one reflexive syllable could be heard in a chorus of female voices.
"Awww…"

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