He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

Based on the 2004 self-help book by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, the film follows a circle of friends and couples, among them Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Connelly. Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) keeps misreading her dates, until Alex (Justin Long), a bar owner who befriends her, tells her the plain truth.

What it shows about dating

Alex’s message is simple: if a man is interested, he makes it obvious, and every excuse you invent for his silence is just that. The film is mainly aimed at women, but it works as a mirror for men too. Everyone sends signals, and it pays to read them honestly. In pickup terms, it is a story about indicators of interest and indicators of disinterest.

What you can learn

• Judge by actions. A call, a plan and a clear invitation mean interest; vague contact does not.
• Don’t invent reasons. Hopeful stories about why she hasn’t replied waste time you could spend on someone who is keen.
• Be clear yourself. If you like someone, say it. Being direct is a kindness to both of you.

More on the topic: how to tell if a girl likes you.