Flirt, Flirt, Flirt

Sure you could just walk up and tell someone that you like him or her. You could walk across that party floor, stand squarely in front of the person who you want, and tell him or her, “I like you. I really like you.”

Of course, then you have to wait for him or her to speak. And your forwardness probably felt like an ambush.

If only your body had ways to communicate your interest without words. If only your body had, in its arsenal, a series of gestures that might effectively communicate your interest as well as effectively advance them.

Wait. You could flirt. Flirting is the answer.

And rejecting eye contact by turning away smarts less than, “I don’t like you. I don’t.”

Flirting is a product of nature and socialization most probably. Those first days of human interaction surely had some design, some dance or negotiation, to follow. But years and years of it, had to change it. Refine it. Modernize it.

So you are a little rusty with flirtation? Been out of the game? Not sure you can recognize it in others?

Look for the following flirts and use these tricks. You might find that you already flirt.

Eye Contact

Look where he or she looks. If he or she is looking at you, and keeps your gaze while you look at him or her, then a spark probably exists. If he or she winks or arches a brow during contact, then a conversation, at least, is a go.

Playing With Hair

Hair is the thing. Hair has always been the thing. The sure sign flirt. If a woman curls her hair with her finger or a man runs his hand through the hair at his neck, then you know he or she is definitely interested.

Ah, the Mouth

Since the mouth plays a large part in intimacy, it plays a large part in flirting as well. Smiling is the flashiest sign, but a finger to the mouth—a finger resting on a bottom lip, a finger lightly chewed, etc.—gives the green light for further intimacy.

Mirror, Mirror

Perhaps the strongest indicator that he or she likes you comes out in the old fairy tale. You can know who one believes is the fairest of all by watching his or her body position and movement. It seems when we like a thing, we mirror it. Our sincerest flattery, et al. If that someone across the room stands like you, copies and holds his or her hand like yours, and leans against a wall when you take yours, go to him or her. He or she will meet you in the middle of the room.