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An idea for the abrupt 'i have a boyfriend'. because it is very blunt, blatant and conversation-destroying, i think my immediate comeback, would be 'i have a girlfriend' be really happy about it, then talk about your 'fake' relationship, saying how hard it is being away etc etc, and gradually give her the notion that your not satisfied or craving some excitement elsewhere, and perhaps that will coax her into saying the same....?

possible option??

Capt.[/quote]

Picard,
I have used a similar approach on a few occasions and its worked a few times though not always with the girl I was initially targeting. I've found that on approaching a group the Hottie out of the bunch has made it clear early on that she has a fella without any possible reason other than to warn you off and reaffirm to her friends that she feels that your the reason your talking to them. I have used the reply " thank god for that as my girlfriend only allows me to talk to good looking women if their paired off. At least I'm not gonna get into trouble".
Last time I said that the girls in the group who were single and thought themselves to be attractive suddenly declared themselves in the hope of a compliment and to try and catch me out. As i explained that i would have to leave them with great resignation they begged me to stay for a while promising not to tell if I didn't. Suddenly I knew who the single ones were and i could then drop into conversation that my misses was off round the world for a year in a couple of days making them feel sorry for me whilst surmising that i may well be effectively single shortly. Last time I left with a number and pulled within a week.
The problem came later with covering up my lie about the girlfriend. It worked for as long as I wanted it to though.

Bond