Teaching Yourself To Flirt Is Easier & Less Awkward Than You Probably Expect

OK, I know this doesn’t sound like good advice — but hear me out. Masini says that considering the worst-case scenario can actually give you the courage to be brave. “Consider that you’re afraid of failure,” she says. “Once you recognize this, ask yourself what is the worst thing that can happen.” Maybe you won’t get a date, or you’ll be embarrassed, or you’ll have to face rejection… but a week from now, you won’t even remember those feelings. Masini explains, “If you break down this fear, and look at the worst-case scenario, you’re much more likely to overcome it.”

Now, some of these tricks only work if you’re flirting in person, and this is one of them. It’s simple but will take you a long way. “A great smile is the first sign that someone is interested,” Masini explains. There’s something about a genuinely joyful smile that draws people to you automatically. If you haven’t worked up the courage to go talk to that cutie, but you know you want to signal that you’re into them, flash them a huge smile to make the initial connection.

“Be present,” Masini suggests. “When you’re in the moment, you can really see and hear the person you want to flirt with, and that will allow you to be genuine.” Try not to think too hard about how you’ll come across. If you can notice little details about someone, it will help you connect with them more authentically. “The details can be the way they turn a phrase, the charm they exude to everyone, or something special they chose to wear,” Masini notes. “This will help you avoid pick-up lines that are stale, tired, and not winning.”

Whether you’re chatting online or IRL, Ettin says you won’t get anywhere if all you do is talk about work. “Playful teasing can be seen as flirtatious,” she explains. Ettin suggests talking about “travel, pets, and other hobbies,” because chances are, you’re passionate about these things. And your natural enthusiasm will shine through when you discuss topics that matter to you.

“Don’t walk up to someone and open the conversation with a pickup line,” Masini suggests. “Instead, start a conversation.” This applies to dating apps as well. While it might be tempting to drop a cheesy pickup line into their DMs, you’re much better off asking them a question about their day, their interests, or something you both have in common. This puts the ball in their court and leads to an open-ended conversation.

Again, this trick works best if you’re hanging out in person, so it’s perfect to use on a first date. “Face the person full-on,” Masini suggests. This will show them that they have your attention. You can also touch each other casually throughout your conversation — a hand on the arm, or a squeeze of the shoulder. “Touching each other in non-sexual, but affectionate and communicative ways, are great flirting techniques,” Masini says. When you’re putting your whole body into the conversation, it elevates your connection.

Here’s a tip you might not associate with flirting, but it’s actually one of the best things you can do to reveal your affection for someone. “Go out of your way to do little things for them,” Masini says. “Pick up lunch when you know he’s busy, bring her soup when you know she’s sick, surprise him or her with their favorite coffee drink, or offer to walk his or her dog if you know the other person is busy.” Sure, these acts of kindness might not seem like outright flirting, but they show your crush that you’re paying attention to what’s going on in their life.

The most important thing you can do is just to be yourself. “The best flirtation comes from within an organic conversation,” Masini explains. “So when you’re flirting with someone, structure the flirtation within a natural conversation.” Don’t think too hard about every little thing, and just enjoy talking to the person you’ve got butterflies for. When your authentic personality shines through, you’re most likely to attract the type of people you want to date. Breathe in, breathe out. Now get out there and show that hottie how you feel about them!