The word ‘flirting’ can sound quaint to the point of being lamely outdated. But the ability to banter playfully with someone you’re into is a time-honoured and valuable dating skill. ‘It heightens sexual tension and distinguishes your dynamic from a just-friends situation – and it can help you gauge compatibility and chemistry on many levels,’ says dating coach Laurie Davis Edwards, founder of the Worthy one and author of Love @ First Click. the only problem? In the era of digital dating, you may never have learnt this analogue skill, or you’ve let it expire. here’s how to signal you’re down to get much, much closer.
Digital Flirting
Use Enticing Words
Data from dating app The League found that women who write ‘mmm’, ‘cute’, ‘gorgeous’, ‘aww’ or ‘handsome’ in their messages are six times more likely to swap numbers with a match than their less-flirty counterparts are. ‘Try a line such as, “A handsome guy who likes ice cream? Mmm”,’ says the app’s founder and CEO Amanda Bradford.
Pepper in Emoji
Toss in a wink, smiley face or kiss – the top emoji used by both sexes when flirting on their phone, according to a match.com survey. But do so sparingly, and not in lieu of a complete sentence when one is called for, says celebrity matchmaker and dating strategist Jasmine Diaz.
Shoot over a GIF
‘When texting, it can be difficult to express yourself, and even more difficult to show emotion – but GIFs take some of the pressure off,’ says Jess Carbino, Tinder and Bumble’s resident sociologist. ‘You can send a flirty GIF, such as batting eyelashes, that conveys interest without having to be too forward.’ It also shows your comical side.
Get a Little Fresh
This story is from the June 2018 edition of Cosmopolitan - South Africa.
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This story is from the June 2018 edition of Cosmopolitan - South Africa.
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