What’s a second conditional? It’s the one right after the first conditional.
OK, all kidding aside. A “conditional” is a “if…then” statement.
The first conditional is based on things that are likely to happen. These use the present tense of the verb, and “will.”
If it rains, I will get wet.
If I skip dinner, I will get hungry.
If you buy my product, you will be happy.
So far, so good, right?
The second conditional is used to talk about things that have an unlikely chance of happening. These use the past tense, and “would.” Whenever we hear a conditional with these two grammatical elements, we know the other person is talking purely in hypotheticals.
If I saw a UFO, I would take a picture.
If I went to France tomorrow, I would spend a lot of money.
If you told your boss to F-off, you would get fired.
As soon as we hear a conditional with the past tense verb, our brains AUTOMATICALLY shift into “pretend” land.
So, how do you use this as an opener? Look at that cute girl over there. If you lived in an ideal world, and you wanted to tell her something, what would it be?
You’re hot, and I want to nail you.
Or something like that.
Now, if you walked over there and said, it wouldn’t work (notice that 2nd conditional lol)
Why? Because she’s on the spot. You said something directly to her, and you expect a response.
Even if she would otherwise be attracted to you, this would rattle her to say the least.
However, what happens if you put it in the second conditional?
So instead of saying, “I think you’re beautiful. Please give me your phone number so I can call you later, and hopefully have sex with you.”
Try this:
“If I were to tell you how gorgeous I thought you were, and then asked for your phone number in hopes of creating a mutually beneficial and emotionally and sexually satisfying relationship, what would you say?”
Now, you’re NOT telling her she’s gorgeous. Your just asking her to imagine what would happen if you did.
Of course, you don’t have to be so bold. You could say something a little softer, like:
“If I told you were really cute, how would you respond?”
Or something like that. It’s sort of a compliment, but not really.
Of course, this is just the opener, once she says whatever she says, and you introduce yourself, the rest is up to you.
But this is a good way to start.