|
|
|
Expert Teaches Crash Course In Art Of Dating |
|
|
| |
by Marcie Ortega
Daily Lobo 
David Wygant, known as the real-life “Hitch,” said he doesn’t mind being the uncredited inspiration for the romantic comedy starring Will Smith. “It’s cool that they did it,” Wygant said. “It made what I do a lot easier to explain. It has actually made it more socially acceptable.” Wygant, who met with movie producers in 2001, found many similarities between himself and the character played by Will Smith in the 2005 film. “There are not many people who do what I do and charge what I charge. And if you look at ‘Hitch,’ look at the apartment building, look at the lifestyle,” he said. “There are a lot of similarities.” He can charge up to $10,000 for his services, which include image consulting and dating advice. Wygant, who has been a professional dating consultant in Los Angeles for the past eight years, spoke to UNM students Thursday about the simplicity of attracting and meeting members of the opposite sex.
“It’s really that easy,” he said. “The fate is either you talk to them or you don’t.” Throughout his lecture, Wygant repeatedly advised attendees to put aside the fear of approaching strangers and to always act like themselves. “I wasn’t sure what to expect,” UNM freshman Brian Moore said. “After hearing it, it seems like common sense.” Kelly Kallin, another UNM freshman, said she is in a relationship but attended the lecture for entertainment. She found Wygant’s advice significant, she said. “He’s very charismatic, so he’s easy to listen to,” Kallin said. “For single people, I could see it being relevant.” UNM sophomore Kyle Traynor said Wygant’s advice was good. “Honestly, it just came to the point of ‘be yourself,’ which I think is a good lesson,” he said.
In addition to presenting advice on communication, Wygant asked some attendees to participate in exercises that involved approaching people and conversational methods. “It was funny,” Traynor said. “He embarrassed people, but honestly it lightened the mood.” Wygant, whose business has flourished over the past decade attracting various clients including celebrities, said he speaks to students because he remembers how it felt to be in college and struggle with insecurities. “You have so many chances to talk to people,” Wygant said. “If everybody can just get past their fear of talking to somebody, they would always have a selection of people to date.”
Wygant has also published books and audio courses. He is forming a products company but said he’s not sure what else is ahead. “I live in the moment. I’m not a future planner,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens.” |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
