This topic really needs a guy's perspective. There are plenty of women counseling women who want to grab the attention of the men they have fallen for, but the most important thing is to think what men actually want. If you know what men are looking for, you will get the answer to your conundrum of the best way to build a lasting and happy long term relationship. Well, for starters, we guys never like our women to be too pushy.
That's what it says right there, do not try too hard and the guy will fall for you. At the same time, playing hard to get is pass too. Men just do not have time nowadays to chase women who intimidate them. They will simply go ahead and check out the next female accessible to them. Sorry, but that's how we are. So, you have to strike that fine balance between being too easy and too difficult. It's not quite hard once you know the rules of the game.
Let us assume you have your eyes set on some guy. The first thing is to strike a conversation with him. This is easy if you have a common group, but if you don't you have to think. If you are interested in the guy, chances are you already are in the same group, or at least you know his favorite hangouts. Try being visible in these places. You will have to do this for a while till you have his attention.
One thing you need to develop is a sense of humor. Men like to laugh more than women do; that's a statistical fact. Most men will even laugh at themselves. Their humor could range from witty to the risque. You have to develop the sense of understanding their brand of humor. Trust me; if you don't understand what makes the guy tickle, you are not going to score a hit with him. Above all, learn to laugh at yourself. All men like to fool around with their women. Being a goofball really helps.
Now, men are of different categories, the serious, the adventurous, the funny, the stupid! I guess your man is not of the last category; if he is, you have to use a very different strategy to get his interest. For all other kinds, it is best that you work yourself up to match up with them. Even if you start dating with him, but you don't like the kind of things he does, then what's the point being with that man anyway? Picking up someone of your own interests and then making that obvious to him is a sure way of getting his attention.
If the man has halfway come across and begun dating you, you need to know how to hold his attention. Frankly speaking, food scores higher than sex here. Men don't mind sex actually; it's only the initial fascination. But what really turns men on is a good spread. Now you don't have to be a gourmet chef just yet, but knowing some good places where you can suggest a date can go a long way.
Most of all is friendly. Just be a good friend to the man you love. That helps. Don't overtly show him that you want a commitment; that will scare the mightiest of men at the outset. Give him good company when he asks you. Be yourself, let your hair loose and within a few weeks, you will be able to tell other girls how to get a boyfriend.