On Gazoo's next visit, Fred had something even more important to ask Gazoo than about material goods. The two were below his parents' garage in Gazoo's magically created workspace, the alien busily tending to his diminutive spaceship.
Fred hesitated for a moment before gathering the courage to broach the subject. "Gazoo," Fred began, his eyes lowered to avoid the alien's penetrating gaze, "I've been having some...uh, trouble with a girl."
Gazoo raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Oh? And what makes you think I'd be proficient in matters of Earthly love?"
Fred shrugged. "I don't know, but you've lived a long time, seen a lot of stuff. Maybe you've picked up something useful?"
Gazoo chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I suppose I have witnessed many cultures and their various courtship rituals throughout the cosmos. But remember, Fred, manipulating someone's feelings directly is a dangerous game."
"I know, I know," Fred assured him, "I don't want to do anything like that. I was thinking...is there something you could do to help me be more...appealing, I guess? Not changing who I am or anything, but maybe...I don't know...making me a bit more confident or something. I mean, I like to think I'm the bravest kid in my grade, but it never seems that way when it comes to girls."
Gazoo studied Fred for a moment, his eyes narrowing in thought. Then, he nodded. "Yes, I think I see what you're asking for. It's not about changing who you are but enhancing what's already there."
Fred nodded eagerly. "Yes, that's exactly it!"
Gazoo, seemingly in deep concentration, gestured his fingers in the air and a shimmer of light appeared, slowly moving towards Fred. As it enveloped him, Fred felt an odd sensation of warmth and energy, a kind of inner surge that was difficult to describe.
"There," Gazoo said, "you should feel a boost in confidence now. Not too much, mind you, just a little bit of a nudge in the right direction. Remember, this isn't a substitute for genuine self-esteem or personal growth."
Fred nodded, feeling a newfound sense of assurance. "Thank you, Gazoo. I'll remember that."
"And Fred," Gazoo added, "have you considered a more concrete plan for your date? Humans tend to appreciate a clear direction and some thought put into their outings, and not a nonspecific request to 'hang out.'"
"Huh, I'm not sure what she'd like to do, though."
Gazoo rolled his eyes. "Well, I could use my powers to spy on her, and I would if I thought that's what it would take, but please, use that primitive brain of yours. Perhaps you could invite Wilma to go see that new horror movie?"
Fred blinked in surprise. "Horror movie?" he had repeated, unsure. But Gazoo had simply nodded, an enigmatic smile on his face. "Trust me. A shared thrill can make for an unforgettable date."
That had certainly given Fred something to think about.
