Make eye contact -- then look away
“Making eye contact and holding it just a few seconds longer than a casual glance causes him to take notice of you and start to wonder what you may have meant by that,” says Lieberman. “It's the cool 'silent flirt' that can make him want to know more.”
Focus on your common interests. You'll both be more at ease if you're flirting about something familiar. Now isn't the time to pretend you're interested in painting or auto repair because you think that's what the other person is into. You'll be out of your element and end up sounding phony and creepy.
Harmless Flirting
This can mean buying a drink in a social setting, freely giving compliments, side arm hugs or other non-sexual touches, a platonic friendship. The term “harmless” is only applicable if you are willing to disclose this behavior (without shame or concern) to your partner.
Do your best to look friendly and open, and offer a genuine smile when you're flirting. Try to avoid fidgeting and make eye contact when you're chatting with them. Averting your eyes can come off as a bit shifty and weird. Take a moment to slowly breathe in and out if you're feeling a little on edge.
The Compliment Text
Here are a couple of such examples of these texts that will make him chase you: "I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your sense of humor." You always manage to make me laugh." "That was such a thoughtful gesture you made yesterday. It really meant a lot to me."
Without even realizing it, you may be sending physical signals such as protruding your chest (whether male or female) but if you're a woman, you'll flash the flirtatious gaze especially once the interaction gets going.
In his book he examines five key styles: polite, playful, sincere, and traditional. Take the quiz here to see which one you are. There is no right or wrong way to flirt, but according to author Jeffrey Hall there are five different styles.
Lean into body language.
Beyond showing off your pearly whites, body language goes a long way when flirting. Murray suggests “leaning towards them with your body” and “having your feet face them so you are looking at them.” It's an easy way to signal openness and let the other person know you're interested.
You can smile, touch them lightly, lean in, listen intently, tell them you like them, or just pay attention to what they're saying and be engaged in the moment you're in. Even if you're shy, carrying on a conversation and smiling and laughing when something is funny, is definitely doable.
Shy Smile. For example, if someone makes eye contact with you across a crowded room and then smiles shyly when catching your eye, a little bit of flirting might be taking place. To test it out, when you glance back at the person who initiated eye contact, see if he or she is still smiling.
Sincere. This is the most common flirting style, and that's probably for the best. Sincere flirts are direct and honest in their interest, and they aim to build emotional connections from the beginning. They'll strike up a conversation about the book you're reading.
Deliberately Touching Someone
Yet, frequently and purposely touching someone in a provocative way–like caressing their hand or giving them a tight and lingering hug–is inappropriate flirting, and implies a romantic/sexual interest, particularly when there's attraction between either party.
“If someone secretly likes you, they may tilt their head as you speak, which is a sign of engagement,” Dr. Hafeez shares. They'll turn to you when you speak and will keep their body language open. “Their legs will be crossed in your direction and their arms won't be folded with 'closed' body language,” she adds.
Here are the typical signs someone is attracted to you:
They tilt their head as you speak (a sign of engagement). They smile at you. They make eye contact with you. They reach out and touch your arm, hand, back, or leg.
Innocent flirting is a lighthearted and playful form of social interaction that involves casual, friendly banter, compliments, and teasing without any serious intent or expectation to pursue a romantic or sexual relationship.