Last night I attended a very swanky party. As I was sauntering casually through the room (OK, making a bee-line for the buffet), I noticed a gaggle of girls gathered near the bar- my friend Kathy was leading a very lively conversation with lots of giggling. "Julie!" She yelled so the entire place could hear. Ugh, I guess those steak kabobs can wait. "Tell them about the 2-second Rule!" Oh great. As I walked over with that death ray 'what the hell are you doing to me' stare, I proceeded to expound, very matter of factly, on the 2-second rule.Later, as I was walking to my car in the parking lot, I remember the topic came up when I was having lunch with my friend, Steve. He had fallen in lust with this hot brunette at his office, Amy. "I've been trying to ask her out, but the minute we start talking personal stuff, she changes the subject. I know she's not seeing anyone. I don't get it!" "It's the 2-second rule. You've been defined as the dreaded friend," I replied. I felt as if I just told him his puppy died. No man wants to be labeled as a friend with a woman they desire.

Prey tell, what is the 2-second rule you ask? When a single woman meets a man, consciously or subconsciously, a 2 second vision pops in her head of them having sex. Trust me, you could be as hot as Brad Pitt, rich as Bill Gates, or have the soul of Ghandi- if she can't make that vision happen- if that little twinkle doesn't show up in her eyes? You're toast. You've been placed in the 'friend' rolodex. And there's no turning back. You have 2 seconds. It's not fair, I didn't create the rule- it's just how we're wired to judge men.

Call in animal magnetism, pheromones, whatever...2 seconds. I came across this little discovery a few years ago when I was out with friends at our favorite dive, Sugar Daddys. I met two equally nice guys- both good looking, funny, smart, they both had jobs, didn't sleep in their car- so far, so good. The first guy? No movie in my head. It was as dull as standing in line at the DMV. I couldn't even blink like I Dream of Jeannie to make it happen.

The second guy? A pornfest, baby! I don't know why, it just happens. It's in our DNA or something. All my friends have tried it and swear by it. Next time you're introduced to a woman or meet a girl out and about, look for that first twinkle in her eye. If she's got that flash of Jenna Jamison in Vegas look on her face? Order up those drinks! Bow chicka bow bow!!! But if she's got a vague fog about her like she's trying to recall the Dewey Decimal system....move on. Don't even remember her name. You're a goner.