How to Flirt (for Women)

You think he's cute, don't you? You wish he'd come over and talk to you, don't you? Or that he'd ask you out, right? Or maybe even a plant a kiss. But he's not. What's a girl supposed to do?

Flirt! Flirt your cute little ass off!

Don't know how? Let me tell you, from the guy's perspective, what do to.

Smile

That's the simplest one. Many guys are bashful creatures. They need an invitation for conversation or else they'll risk the painful bite of rejection. Imagine a squirrel on the grass and you with a handful of nuts. How do you coax that little guy over? You've got to be disarming, charming, and show him your nuts. In short, you've got to show him you're not going to bite if he approaches (unless, um, he wants you to). A smile is the easiest form of invitation. So smile!

The Second Glance

Some guys need more of a jump charge than others. One smile might not be enough. Even with copious amounts of liquid courage (read: alcohol), he might be second-guessing you and thinking that your smile was over some joke. So to silently tell him, "Yes, that smile was for you, dummy!" give him a second glance. Linger a bit too. Take in his scrumptious face, examine his eyes, think about how a kiss from his lips would feel, anything to keep your eyes locked for a moment. Even try a third glance if necessary. But don't go any further than that, or else you'll dilute the power of these glances.

Wear Something Alluring

Guys are visual creatures. Big surprise there. It's a sad testament to our society that our self images are so media-driven, but you'll find the odds of attracting guys in your favor when you dress well, feel confident, and look hot. A hint of a delicious perfume (but not too much!) can also add to your allure. Got great legs? Show them off. Great ass? Accentuate it. Nice cleavage? Well, duh! Pretty face and great smile? Even better! You're beautiful, so show yourself off!

Laugh at His Jokes

This is such a cheesy one that I hesitated in including it. But it's so darn effective that I'd be cheating you if I didn't. Sure, he could be full of cheesy jokes and potty humor, but you'll make him feel like a million bucks if he thinks he's funny. Every guy has heard that girls like a guy with a sense of humor. Laugh, and you'll build up his confidence. Psychologically and biologically, you'll also have a better time as you smile and laugh too, even if it's all fake (strange but true, read any psychological journal).

Compliment Him

On the theme of cheesy but effective methods, there's also compliments. Just don't be too obviously fake about them and don't overwhelm him with ass-kissing praise. But a gentle sprinkle of compliments will further his confidence in himself and his good feelings towards you. Did you know that even fake flattery is somewhat effective? (That's why ass-kissers at work get so far. No one ever said the world is fair and makes sense, right?)

Touch Him Lightly

Find an opportunity to come into light physical contact with him, like patting him on the arm or thigh, leaning up against him, or tussling his hair. I don't mean heavy petting; calm yourself down girl, that's for later! Your gentle touches will send subtle signals into his brain that you're someone he can touch back in the future. It's like scratching a dog behind his ears; you'll need to win him first before he'll let you scratch his belly. (Actually, that analogy totally fails, because that same dog will have no problem humping you with nothing more than a smile, but eh, you get the point.)

Lean In Close to Him

Somewhat similar to touching him lightly is leaning close to him. Seductively enter into his personal space. Not too close right away, where you're breathing out of his nose. You just want to tease him a bit. He'll be able to smell you and see you closely now. If there are sparks, you both will feel them now too. If not, then perhaps he's a dud.

Look Into His Eyes

This may seem obvious to some, but hard to do for others. Lock eyes with him as he talks. I don't mean turning it into a staring contest, but make ample eye contact during your conversation. If you're shy, take note of his eye color and try to discern the secrets of his soul from those two glassy orbs. This will show him you're interested, further boosting his confidence. Look away, and he'll think you're not interested or that he's boring you. That could be your death knell and the surest way back to Mr. Rabbit.

Ask Him About Him

Lots of people like talking about themselves. So ask him questions about his life, his work, his hobbies, etc. (Avoid questions about previous relationships though, that's a no-no this early on in the game.) You'll not only find out more about this cute guy, but you'll have him leave the encounter pleased, for it's another psychological marvel that people who talked about themselves a lot tend to unconsciously rate those experiences as happy ones. (The mind's a wondrous place, eh?)

Pay Attention to Him

Perhaps fairly obvious, this one should be stated nonetheless. Don't get so caught up in staring at his eyes and asking him questions that you forget to listen to what he's saying. If you find yourself thinking about the next question, stop. Listen to him. I mean, really listen to him. Listen for commonalities between the two of you. Share a little about yourself in similar situations. Don't just sit there like a rock, interact with him and show him a bit of yourself. This will help you evaluate whether he's really worth your time as well.

Leave Him Openings for Dates

Now that you've got the little guy eating out of the palm of your hand, give him some easy opportunities for asking you out. Mention a new restaurant you've been dying to try. Or a new musical that's in town. Be prepared to clear some lower-priority items out of your schedule too, because if you're always busy, he'll take that as a sign that you're not that interested, may have other guys on the side, or are too busy to be worth dating.

This all assumes the target of your affections is worth your heart. If he doesn't respond to any of these, then either he is Just Not That Into You (read the book!), an utter social moron, or gay. Assuming he's none of those, then you can rest easy knowing you've given him enough of the proper signals. The rest is now up to him. Good luck, ladies!