The Art of Flirtation

Flirtation is a good way to get someone interested in you for a short period of time. During this time you can decide if it's a relationship you want to pursue. However, flirtation doesn't tell you much about what a person is really like; it's really only a way to open the door. A true and deeper connection will blossom from the flirtation and if it doesn't then you may want to consider if there is potential for such a connection with this person. Here are a few key things to think about when forming a connection with someone through flirtation.

First, keep things fun. You don't want to lie to the other member and say that you are only interested in fun if you're not. But every step in the process of meeting someone should be fun, including flirtation. To keep the flirtation fun, approach the other member with a light-hearted conversation, and smile while you're typing. Discuss something that you're interested in, perhaps something that you have in common on your profiles.

If it makes you nervous to flirt, try approaching it from a different angle than you've done before, but don't give the impression that you're someone you're not. For example, if you usually get nervous because you run out of things to say, or you run out of things to say because you get nervous, approach the conversation with one or two topics to bring up and use wait time. Discuss something and then give the other member time to respond with his/her own thoughts. You may be surprised by the direction the conversation will go. You don't have to sustain the conversation all on your own.  Also, be prepared with a polite goodbye. If the conversation does die, just excuse yourself politely.

Also, use language that sounds like you. This way if you do wind up meeting this member it will feel like you already know each other because there won't be a big change in your speech patterns. This makes you more personable and it also makes it more likely that the other member will respond to you because you sound like a real person.

Remember, flirtation is all about forming a quick connection in a fun but genuine way. Try something like this, "Hi! Wow, I love your profile picture. That look of your face makes it seem like you're really enjoying yourself. What were you doing when you took this picture?!?!..."