What is the Red Shirt Method in Dark Psychology?

What is the Red Shirt Method?

The Red Shirt Method says wearing red helps you attract what you want. The Red Shirt method is an idea that says when you wear red, you become more interesting, confident, and attractive to other people. On TikTok, the Red Shirt Method is often suggested for dating. According to the method, the color red is ideal for grabbing attention and feeling like your best self, so wearing red can help you achieve your goals and get what you want, whether that’s career success, romance, or anything else. When you see the method mentioned online, it’s usually accompanied by an AI-generated video “explaining” the idea, though the videos leave you with questions rather than answers. There are also a number of videos explaining how to “break a girl’s ego after she rejects you,” all using similar scripts, and all mentioning the Red Shirt Method, suggesting the videos have all been sponsored. Mostly, references to the method seem to point back to a link to purchase a book on the topic, suggesting that the whole trend is a way for someone to make some money on self-help book sales. Meet the wikiHow Expert Joshua Pompey is a Relationship Expert with over 15 years in the industry who helps his clients navigate online dating and has a success rate of over 99%.

Does the red shirt method work?

The red shirt method has some evidence, but it’s not a dating “cheat code.” When you see videos about the method online, they’ll claim it’s some miracle secret that will make you into the perfect version of yourself using color theory. Well, it’s not a miracle, and probably won’t change your life overnight, but like any good scheme, it’s rooted in a grain of truth, which is the color theory part. Turns out, red is indeed a powerful color: Studies show that the color red is striking, engaging, and attracts people’s emotional attention. So wearing red is a good tip if you want to stand out. Studies also show that people ask more intimate questions to people who are wearing red. So wearing red can be good for getting closer to someone. Red is also associated with emotions like love, power, passion, and confidence. So when someone sees you wearing red, they may associate those qualities with you.

Being More Confident and Charismatic

Wear red to be more confident and to stand out. Dating coach Joshua Pompey tells us that looking your best is important. That’s where the Red Shirt Method can help. While the Red Shirt Method is a little sketchy, it’s true that wearing red can boost your confidence and grab people’s attention. When you’re out on a date or just want to impress someone, wear red clothing. Red is the color of power and confidence, so when you wear red, other people may see that as a sign of your passionate personality. Try not to overdo it. A simple red dress with red lipstick is striking, or black slacks with a red-button down is subtle but effective.

Ask people questions about themselves. Pompey says that confidence in dating and socializing is something you get with practice. Practice that skill simply by asking people open-ended questions about themselves. This helps you start a conversation without speaking too much yourself. People like it when other people are interested in them, so questions are your secret weapon. For example, ask them where they grew up, if they enjoyed the experience, or if they have any fond memories from childhood. Don’t be afraid of small talk, which is just a stepping stone on your way to big talk.

Give people space to avoid seeming clingy. Pompey suggests that one great way to make people think about you more is actually to step back. He says to avoid constant communication, but also to respond in a casual, reasonable amount of time to show them that they’re important to you. When someone texts you, respond when it’s convenient, but don’t rush to the phone. Instead, wait a few hours. This also helps you come up with a thoughtful and worthwhile response.

Make eye contact and keep open body language. Pompey reminds us that body language is everything when it comes to knowing whether or not someone is interested in you, and in letting them know you’re interested, too. Make eye contact, smile naturally, and even throw in some light touches on their shoulder or elbow when you speak to them. Avoid crossing your arms or leaning away, which can come across as closed-off or nervous. Instead, face your torso toward them and lean in slightly to show that you’re interested and engaged.

Remember that other people are just as complicated as you are. Pompey assures us that the more we interact with people, the more we realize that “people really aren't that scary when you approach them in a nice way.” If you get nervous, remind yourself that the person you’re talking to has their own problems, insecurities, worries, and fears. It helps humanize them and make them more approachable.