Different flirting styles work better at certain times; playful flirting is best for short-term relationships.Once the conversation is going, finding the other person funny is essential.Instead, you need to take a little initiative to get the sparks going. If that feels awkward, or you’re thinking, “I don’t know how to do that,” don’t worry. Being good at flirting and meeting people isn’t a trait you’re either born with or not. Rather, it’s a skill you can develop and learn .
Here are several common questions about flirting and initial conversations, each with a research-backed answer and strategy for improvement.Research finds that those being flirted with accurately perceived that the other person was interested only 28 percent of the time . In other words, roughly 3 out of 4 times people flirt, it goes undetected. Females were especially bad at accurately detecting male flirting . Notably, outside observers did even worse.
What does this suggest? Flirters are hard to read because they’re being too subtle, likely because they want to protect theirand avoid rejection. However, if someone doesn’t even know you’re flirting, what’s the point? Put yourself out there, be a little vulnerable, and make your flirtations more obvious. Direct is best.There are many flavors of flirting. Researchers at the University of Kansas identified five distinct styles: physical, playful, polite, sincere, and traditional .