Gold diggers are drawn to successful men, and the tougher the economy gets, the harder they dig.
As of March 2011, the national unemployment rate sits at 8.8%, and gas prices are pushing $4 a gallon and higher in some cities. The smart ones are cutting back on spending. The risk takers are trying their luck with the Powerball. And gold diggers have set their sights on the successful man.
If you’re that man, you want someone who wants you for you, not for what you have. Here’s how to tighten up your game.
Spot the gold digger. There’s no surefire way to spot a gold digger by looks alone. The best of them can blend in anywhere. Her behavior is what gives her away.
The biggest tell is how she talks about money. Not interest rates, 401(k)s or the Dow Jones. She’ll talk about the Louboutins she has on, or how she’s still full from dinner at Prime 112. She’ll carry a $5,000 purse with nothing to put in it, and she’ll tell you she only drinks champagne.
Most of all, look at her dating history. People are creatures of habit. If she’s known for spending other men’s money, she’ll date you as long as she can spend yours too.
One note of caution: some women make very good money and can afford all of those things on their own. Don’t jump to conclusions. Just keep your eyes open.
Change your dating strategy. Men love to impress women, and a successful man’s first instinct is the big expensive date. The exclusive steakhouse that’s impossible to get into, the Kobe steak, the lobster, a bottle of Opus One. Then ask yourself: where do you go from there?
There’s nothing wrong with “it ain’t trickin’ if you got it.” But if you want something real, you want her to fall for you, not your bank account. Pick dates where the two of you can actually talk and get to know each other: a park, the beach, a coffee shop, a bookstore.
If she’s still around after four or five dates like that, it’s safe to say she genuinely enjoys your company and is getting emotionally invested. Once a woman is invested in you, your money and status are just a bonus. A gold digger only sticks around when she’s getting something out of it. The only investment she’s interested in is a financial one.
Don’t brag. When people first meet, they love to talk about themselves: what they do, what they like, where they’ve been. If you’re trying to avoid a gold digger, watch what you say. Listen more and talk less. That’s how you build a real connection.
When you do talk, don’t center the conversation on your luxuries. Mention the trip to Paris, but leave out the sunset from your balcony at the Le Méridien Etoile.
Bragging isn’t only what you say. Dress well, but skip the pieces with big visible logos. A nice watch is fine, but if it’s covered in diamonds, leave it at home for now. If you live in a lavish home or condo, hold off on bringing her back to your place until you’re sure she’s about you and not the Benjamins.
Gold diggers are like fireflies. They’re drawn to whatever shines. Take the attention off the things you own, and she won’t even notice you.
