Ask for a Girl’s Letterboxd Handle, Not Her Number: A Modern Love Story

By Lauren Matz | Photo by Yara Ahmed

Chivalry is dead.

No really. WHAT is the point of asking for a number you never plan on texting? And for what, just because you saw me from across the bar and really dug my vibe? You can’t tell anything about me from a phone number, aside from an area code that may or may not be my hometown. 

Asking for my Snapchat handle is even worse. Best case scenario, I actually end up accepting the friend request the next morning, but to my disappointment, you’re totally catfishing me with your bitmoji.

Girls want grand gestures, and asking for her Letterboxd handle is basically the modern equivalent of asking her to cut her hand open with you to form a blood bond. And that’s hot. If you’re trying to subtly flirt, liking Instagram stories is out and liking my Letterboxd reviews is so, so in. Comment on my Letterboxd reviews the way girls comment on their friend’s Instagram posts and you’ve got a date.

If you want to go the extra mile, you could even change your top 4 favorites on Letterboxd to spell out a message. Maybe something along the lines of “Will… You… Date… Me?” Just food for thought.

Plus, you can find out so much about a girl from her Letterboxd– there’s so much source material! Aren’t you dying to know why I watched Challengers four times in the span of a month? Wouldn’t you rather seduce me by complimenting the comedic genius of my one-liner reviews? (Bonus points if you can riff off them too.)

I don’t want to clog up my phone with a bunch of first-name-only contacts that I wouldn’t be able to attribute a face to if I tried. I would so much rather add a potential suitor to my list of Letterboxd followers. If it doesn’t work out, they can just contribute to my growing fame as a Letterboxd micro-celebrity. 

Plus, it’s beneficial on both ends if I can tell from the get-go how serious Letterboxd is to you. If you don’t have a Letterboxd but you’re intrigued, I can work with that. You’re moldable clay. If you laugh at the mention of Letterboxd OR have a Letterboxd but don’t take it seriously, I’m already bored as fuck and I won’t waste your time. If you are an avid Letterboxd user and have good taste, I’m already making a Pinterest board with engagement rings and wedding inspo.

There’s truly nothing more attractive than appreciating good art. Except maybe being my biggest fan on Letterboxd. Good news for you, reader, I’m accepting applications. Follow @laurenmatz on Letterboxd if you’re intrigued.