Tennis ace Leander Paes shares pointers on how to win women over

1 Women have the ability to read men. They can see through us in minutes, though we love thinking otherwise. In most cases, that’s just plain male chauvinism.

2 In a man-woman relationship, you need the best of both to make it work. For example, a woman’s emotional mind set and a man’s practical approach — along with some sensitivity.

3 Men are practical and see things in black and white. They would rather solve a problem when it happens. Women can foresee unholy situations and warn men, if only they would listen! Women are blessed with the sixth sense. They have intuitive powers.

4 Most men are not aware that women love surprises. The gifts, the cinema tickets all disappear once marriage happens, probably because men think that providing for the family is their way of showering love and affection.

5 Indian women are the crux of their families. It’s their adaptability, unconditional acceptance of the family and ageless understanding that makes them so.

6 Our women may be subdued on the outside, but just arouse their sentiments or stimulate their desires and see what you get!

7 Women are aware of our stupid male ego and massage it as well.

8 Men don’t get that women do not hanker for money but look for love — they like being cuddled up on the sofa, holding hands in public, being taken for romantic and mushy films, or being surprised with a gourmet meal their man has cooked. Food is
a beautiful way to express love.

9 For us, it may not matter what the woman thinks, but to a woman, gaining her man’s ear is a battle half won.

10 A relationship can either be a pain in the butt or can be looked after. It needs to be tended to, like a plant.

11 Men think they can tell white lies until they come crashing against the glass pane. I can never get away telling white lies to my mom or my woman.

12 Don’t get chocolates for a woman who is trying to lose weight, or buy open shoes for one with bad feet, or buy maternity-sized garments for a frail sweetheart!

13 Well man... if you love somebody, show it. There can be no embarrassment in being a romantic, but a lot more damage in trying to hide it!

Leander on Martina Navratilova with whom he won the mixed doubles title at the Australian Open tournament in January 2003

“I am truly honoured and fascinated to be associated with one of the legends of sport. I have been watching and following Martina Navratilova’s game since I was an eight-year-old boy living in Kolkata. She is a great athlete, both physically and mentally; her tremendous zest and passion for the game is truly inspiring and encouraging.

Our win at the Australian Open was a good way to start 2003, as the year before had been a bad one for me. So, this association and victory have definitely rejuvenated my career and my spirit. We will team up again for the other Grand Slam tournaments this year, the US Open, Wimbledon and the French Open.

I think we both share the passion for the game. I was reading a book on her and discovered more facets to this wonderful woman who has struggled hard in life to realise her dreams. She is a brilliant human being, both on and off the court.”

(Leander Paes spoke to Jeena Mitra Banik)