Men can never get enough of the big boys' toys. They have their elegant personalized cigarette cases, Fossil watches, and Dirty English fragrance. Their latest must-have is the Apple 3G iPhone. What's not in the checklist yet is a warm loving woman to complete the list of the finer things a man must have in life and love. What gives, then?



The Man With Everything But. . .

Men are extraordinary creatures. They fanatically feed their passions - baseball, car racing, video games, and sex. In grooming, he wants the best there is from engraved cigarette cases to match his mood to the tiny little tie tack he pins on his tie with a flourish.

During their unofficial hours, they make do with an old baggy shorts and large baseball T-shirt, and spend their time locked onto video games or taking gadgets apart and never learning to put them together again. They drive their women crazy with monosyllables over breakfast coffee, but they're the liveliest when they are with pals and spending some time at the local bar.

At work, he's the compleat man. He knows his job and does it well. He looks and acts the professional he is. His monogrammed cigarette cases, his fragrance, and his personalized Cross pens say it all.

How to Catch Him

To all and sundry, the idea of catching a man may be shameless. But that is it. Overdoing the pursuit can be deadly to your plans because men want to be pursued with subtlety. It is difficult to start the chase if, in the first place, he does not know you exist. Find a way to be introduced to him, and start from there.

The moment you find yourself with him, talk about business and give him your business card on the pretext of a possible profitable deal. He will reciprocate by giving you his card. If it is taking him a long time to make that promised phone call, organize a business party and ensure that he is in the invited guests list.

If he does appear, stay cool, but warmly welcome him to the party and introduce him to the big bosses and to the other guests. He will appreciate this gesture and perhaps make a mental note to call you the next day, so be ready for something substantial to talk about - discussion beyond his cigarette cases and baseball matches. Make it business-like, but dangle a carrot, like a business proposition, perhaps.

The more he sees you in public functions, the more he will become comfortable with you and perhaps you invite for a drink. But then, stay cool and don't fall all over him on the first date. Stay charming and pleasant, despite his frequent puffing on his cigarette. Cases like this have to be carefully maneuvered if you hate the smell of cigarettes but adore the man.

The more you get to know each other, go for it. When he makes a move to show that he is interested, drop the demure act and let him know you like him, too. Find excuses for giving him one of those elegant cigarette cases, limited edition sunglasses, and a bottle of bubbly. When you get him - hook, line, and sinker - show him that one of the best things in life is a warm woman who cares for him. He will get the drift.