'Hello, hola, bonjour'. These words more than initiate conversation, a majority of the times, they define them. Relationships are always remembered by the very words they were founded on. 'Hum ek baar jeete hain, ek baar marte hi, aur who pehle pehle lavz bhi ek hi baar bole jate hai.'

However, the added, insurmountable pressure of male-female interactions translates from cheesy to embarrassing to downright insulting pick-up lines at times. Yes, we indeed are questioning their effectiveness. When did a simple 'hello' stop being considered classy?

There are pick up lines reiterated and recycled and the resounding question of 'why' remains to their use. Let me illustrate with what seems to be the most popular of them all: Do you believe in love at first sight or do you want me to walk by again? Girls, if that condescending line conveyed flattery, well then, I salute you. For the others, take my advice and the next time you get hit on with that line give them a taste of their own medicine, that of cockiness. A simple reply of 'yes, but don't stop this time' should do the trick.

In many instances, alcohol and the adrenaline seems to take a turn for the nasty. One of the classics which left me in splits definitely was:

He: Do you wanna dance?

She: Yeah but not with you!

He: You must have misunderstood me, I said you look fat in those pants!

Moreover, the desi tadka added to pick up lines is something that should get every boy or girl it is used on love struck(sarcasm intended indeed). 'You're Hotter Than Garam Garam Chai' 'You Make My Heart's Rikshaw Go Wild' and 'Baby, You're Sweeter Than Jalebi' are a few that stand out. The horrendous symbolism is enough to send a person into hysteria. A gag reflex is definitely the appropriate response in such a scenario.

What most individuals fail to appreciate and respect is individuality. You can talk big or you can talk cheesy and cocky but the easiest and simplest way to strike a conversation with anyone is to be original. Yes, it really is that simple. The elaborate gestures and nasty comments seem to bode well in movies and that is where they belong, in make belief. Any 'line' for that matter should contain spontaneity if nothing else, something that definitely doesn't seem to come from googling pick up lines before initiating conversations.

Team MSN She