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Original Date Doctor Gives Hitch-like Advice to Students on Relationships |
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By Jacqueline Chavez
The character played by Will Smith in the movie Hitch was based on David Wygant, who is the nation’s leading dating agent and image-maker for actors, celebrities and multi-millionaires. Wygant has been featured in more than 1,200 radio programs, and seen on television shows including Dateline, ABC News, Inside Edition, Fox News and MTVNews.
A native New Yorker, the 44-year-old has served as an advisor and dating consultant for more than nine years.
The “original date doctor” came to UNO on Jan. 18 to speak about relationships, communication and, most importantly, how to approach strangers.
Wearing faded blue jeans and a black long-sleeve t-shirt, Wygant fit in with his crowd of college students. His vibrant personality and sense of humor immediately won the audience over.
While referring to his own life experiences and unique situations, he gave a few pointers to those less-than-knowledgeable on the subject of dating. Three of his top tips were observe, listen and communicate.
“The more you observe, the more conversations you can have,” Wygant said.
Topics that were covered ranged from overcoming your own insecurities to icebreakers for any situation. One of the things he reiterated several times was confidence.
“We [are] all attracted to confidence,” Wygant said.
Paying attention to details and starting conversations based on those observations is essential in speaking to strangers. People we meet on the street, at grocery stores, coffee shops and libraries are all approachable.
“You have to make people notice you,” Wygant said.
Organizer Amy Brennan, the fine arts chair from SPO, planned the event after seeing Wygant on flyers and TV.
“Since it is near Valentine’s Day I thought it would be something fun and new; nothing like this has been to UNO before,” Brennan said.
Cruz Cabrera, a freshman majoring in biology pre-med, attended the event.
“I thought it would be cool and interesting because I saw the movie Hitch, but I did [not] know that people actually did that for a living,” Cabrera said.
Most of the tips were geared toward the predominately male audience. Wygant gave a few good tips for women approaching men by answering questions about individual situations. Anything from pretzel stands, nightclubs and libraries was discussed, and approachable solutions were given.
Wygant has published a book titled, “Always Talk to Strangers: 3 Simple Steps to Finding the Love of Your Life.” He currently resides in California, and can be reached by e-mail or Web site at attractandapproach.com and davidwygant.com. |
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