Staff Writer
Have you been striking out when flirting lately? A recent study on flirting at Webster University in St. Louis provided insight into the best methods. It also concluded “it’s not the most physically appealing people who get approached, but the ones who signal their availability and confidence,” said psychologist Dr. Monica Moore. So if you feel like you should put a bag over your face, you are not hopeless! Here are some of the best tips to perfect the art of flirting, while still being appropriate:
One of the most successful flirting techniques is… wait for it… eye contact. Make sure to look your target in the eye; not quite as intense as the Overly Attached Girlfriend. But rather, when they are speaking, look them in the eye, pay attention to their words and actually listen. Now, don’t go thinking your teacher is interested in you when he/she looking you in the eye when talking to you about not doing your homework.
Touch is another great technique, but requires a
little more discretion. I will take this time to tell you not to go up to
random strangers and hug them; that can get you arrested. The Webster
University Study classifies touching into three categories: Friendly, such as a
shoulder push, shoulder tap, or handshake. Plausible Deniability, such as a touch
around the shoulder or waist, or touch on the forearm. Nuclear, such as a face
touch. Now you have to take into account a couple of key rules to make sure you
keep it appropriate. First off, your location; if you are at a family friendly
function you probably do not want to go any further than the “friendly”
classification. You also need to consider your relationship with that person; for
example if you are good friends with someone, it’s alright to give them a
hug.
Nothing is worse than being with someone in
complete silence. So remember to talk.
Don’t just talk about yourself, but try to initiate a conversation, whether it
is about movies that you have seen or a teacher you have both have.
Do not forget to use your body language; there are many ways to do this. Smiling is the first
thing that comes to mind; it signals that you enjoy the other person’s company.
Other methods include twirling your hair, when it comes to the ladies. Keep
your stance open to avoid crossing your arms, because this literally blocks
your target off.
Remember that the best way to get someone’s
attention is to smile and be yourself
Different people of course display their
affection in different ways. What’s your go-to technique tweet us your answer
at @AHS_Legacy with the hashtag #AskApex.
