Entourage: Let's Blog It Out

1) Be funny and very conversational but don't dominate.

It's a delicate balance. You have to be witty and make everyone laugh at first so they relax. Often, it's best to play off of what the other people say first. This way, you can establish a base of operation as the night kicks off.

2) Have two levels of stories about your friend at the ready.

You'll want something recent to tell, preferably from earlier that day. It shows that you're very good friends and will give you credibility with the girl's friend, who is there to sign off on whether or not she can hook up with your friend but invariably has no interest in you.

Then, you'll need a long-term story, one you've told 2,400 times already but never to her. It should be a story that is only slightly embarassing but reveals the true nature of your friendship. Example: Dom telling Phil Rubinstein the story about Vince bailing him out.

3) Always, always, always buy the second round of drinks.

Your friend is the lead pilot in this scenario, and since the ultimate goal at hand is to make sure he gets the girl, let him buy the first round of drinks. It looks better for everyone involved.

But the real reason is this: As you get up, walk to the bar and wait for everyone else in front of you to get served first, you give the guy and girl a chance to be alone for a few minutes. Or, at the very least, it's him, her and her wingwoman, which is just as good. The goal here is to assure something along the lines of "Your friend is mad cool. How long have you two known each other?"

Boom! It's a natural transition into a personal story. Plus, it puts your boy in the wingman spot for a few seconds. While you're getting the drinks and making sure you've done your job as wingman, you're secretly hoping he puts in a good word with her wingwoman. This move serves as the male equivalent to girls going to the bathroom together to talk about you.

4) Wear cargo pants or shorts

What? Oh yeah. This one can be crucial depending on the number in the group and the location. If you're at a bar with a group of four or more and you go to get the drinks, you're out of hands before you even order. Enter the cargo pant pocket. Slip a few beers in there and carry the other drinks back to the table.

On your approach to the table, they'll wonder why you only came back with one or two drinks. Your boy will make a wise comment, but that's because he knows the deal. You'll respond by pulling the drinks out of your cargo pockets. Now you're the practical guy and you've got a good segue to rejoin the conversation.

5) Take a calculated risk or two.

As the night progresses, you'll start to get a feel for the dynamics of the group. Your boy can't suggest a round of shots or a silly drinking game, but you can! That's the beauty of the wingman. You've got no pressure, so you don't need any liquid courage, just liquid. So order that extra round of that big fish bowl full of 12 different liquors and saddle up for the night.

6) Recognize when it's time to break away

Despite what Viper, Iceman, Goose and Jester said, there's nothing worse than the wingman who doesn't leave when the time is right. A good wingman knows when his job is done. Walk away, dude. Your boy will thank you later, preferably with cash, drinks or his girl's friend.