For every dream girl out there, there’s a lucky bastard who ends up with her.

In our quest to help you be that guy, we’ve scoured scientific journals to give you useful tips on being more attractive and confident with women. But who better to consult than the guys who are actually living the dream? The ones hitched to women who are charming, caring, whip-smart, and knockouts to boot?

So we conducted a poll and 10 of those lucky of those guys shared their secrets. We wouldn’t recommend trying all of their advice at home—but some of their tips are definitely worth stealing. Read their stories:

Book the second date during the first date.

“I married a model 13 years younger by blowing out all the dating rules. I asked her out at the end of each date to go out again and she kept saying yes.”…. Dave

Persistence, persistence, persistence.

“I met her online and knew she was out of my league, but I figured I’d try anyway. We had a good first date so I just kept asking, and she kept saying yes. We’ve been together ever since and I proposed to her last weekend! She said yes!”…. Bryan

Play the pity card.

“I messed up my pickup line so badly that she felt bad and said, ‘You tried.’ I asked her out the day after. One year later we’re still here.”…. Edgar

Make her laugh.

“I never made a move. Just made her laugh (always), treated her like a queen (always), and let time make it happen.” …. Raheem

Make her feel special.

“I was just genuine and treated her like she was the only girl in the room. That was the secret.”…..TY

Fly her to Paris, obviously.

“I did it the only way possible, took her to Disneyland Paris and asked her out there. Every girl is a sucker for Disney and Paris.”…. Arwyn

Humility.

“A bunch of my guy friends were interested in her too, but it was my overall superior good looks and witty personality that got me the girl. We’ve been married for 13 years!” …...Chris

Ace your oral exam.

“Let's just say my oral skills are top notch.”….David

Get right to the point.

“I asked her if she had a boyfriend and she replied “No,” and then I asked her if she wanted one. In June we have our 5-year vow renewal.”….Jason

Don’t play games.

“She’s 10 years younger and crazy, smokin’ hot. . . . I was steady and reliable, never played games, answered texts immediately, treated her like a queen, cooked for her and met her needs and was always honest. I broke her down over 6 months; she fell hard and I proposed. We’ve been married for 5 years now. She is still stunning and I love her more now than ever.”….Paul