Whether your are a Star Wars fan or not, I know what you're thinking: " The Empire Strikes Back was SOOOOO 30 years ago."

Well, you're right. In fact, this year marks the 30th anniversary of one of the coolest movies of all time. I plan to celebrate that fact by focusing on one of the hidden treasures of that cinematic masterpiece: a lesson in manhood. That lesson comes in the character of Han Solo.

He is the rebel of all rebels--he's a galactic rebel. He flies solo (pun intended) except for a hairy dude who can't talk. (No offense to Wookies, but Chewbacca is basically a cooler version of a Chocolate Lab.) He rides around in a fixer-upper that he made into a bad-ass war machine that can haul illegal freight, and he knows how to have a good time; we found him in an outlaw bar ready to shoot messengers of the gangster he owed money. You don't get any badder than this dude.

But this is a relationship site, so now it's time to make this homage to my hero more romantically relevant.

Everything I just said to describe Solo can be re-categorized under "Chick Magnets." The tough rebel who needs no one, doesn't like to talk but is witty and a smart-ass when he does, has the coolest ride in the "neighborhood,"and is probably the toughest guy in the galaxy who doesn't weld a light saber and isn't named Fett.

But to top all that off, he also saves Princesses (well, one princess). Not only does he save her; he makes her fall in love with him. Let me rephrase that: he does nothing but insult her, AND SHE FALLS IN LOVE WITH HIM ANYWAY. When he's ready to make a move, despite her apparent disgust of him, he simply tells her what she already knows: "You like me because I'm a scoundrel."(Check out the scene here. It's awesome!)

Han Solo is the MAN!

The best part about The Empire Strikes Back, and the best proof that Han Solo is the personification of confidence/nonchalance/masculinity is toward the end of the movie. Han is about to be cryogenically frozen in carbonite, and before he is lowered into the freezing pit, Leia (the aforementioned princess) says, "I Love You." Now Han doesn't stay silent, Han doesn't reciprocate with an "I love you" of his own. He looks at her with stone eyes and says, "I know." (Check out the scene)

That's it. How bad-ass is that?

Fathers: tell you sons to watch the Empire Strikes Back and try to be like the guy called Han.

Unlucky bachelors: rent Empire Strikes Back and study it well.

Ladies: I don't have to tell you what to do.

Dating is easy if you're anything like Han. Call me immature if you want, but it's true.

To celebrate Han and 30 years of The Empire Strikes Back, here is a music video in honor of everyone's favorite galactic scoundrel.

Besides Star Wars, what movies have taught you memorable dating strategies? We want to know!

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Would you date someone who had previously dated one of your friends?

Yes! I'm perfectly happy to date my friend's exes. They're exes for a reason.

No! It's too incestuous. I don't feel comfortable dating a friend's ex.

Maybe Yes: I haven't had the opportunity, but I don't see a problem with it.

Maybe No: I haven't done it, but I don't think I would.