How to Flirt

Walk the walk

"When people first meet you, their initial impression of you is based upon your appearance and body language"

Your posture is a crucial giveaway: Stand tall, push your shoulders back as you make your entrance, and you'll instantly look confident, while a subtle smile on your lips signals that you're friendly and approachable.

Catch his attention

Spot a cutie at 2 o'clock? Make eye contact with him, give a little smile, then whisper into the ear of your girlfriend. It doesn't matter what you say -- he'll still think you're talking about him, and he will be dying to know what you said.

A bold guy will shoot you a quizzal look, approach you and ask what you said. Even if he's shy, he will keep stealing glances in your direction.

"Whispers make us think someone is saying something awfully nice or awfully horrible about us -- why else would they whisper it? Either way, it gets the adrenaline pumping and gets them looking your way,"

Signal him to approach

If he's tossing glances your way that last four seconds or longer, he definitely likes what he sees! At the same time, he's mentally evaluating how open you are to being approached, too.

So flash him a definite green light signal with a slow, flirty smile. "Smiling is truly contagious and it's a quick, subtle way to show interest without looking desperate,"

Get on the same wavelength

He comes over and introduces himself. So far, so good! Lock eyes as you say hello and repeat his name. Adopt an open body language by keeping your arms relaxed and unfolded and you'll appear friendly and approachable. Crossed arms and ankles, on the other hand, are an obvious sign that you're nervous and a no-no. A slight forward leaning of your torso signals interest and that you're enjoying his company.

We like people who are like us. "So if we like someone, we start "mirroring" -- doing whatever it is they're doing to show we're the same," explains Cox. For example, if he takes a sip from his drink, you follow suit after a pause. It's a great technique to bond and make him feel like you have a great rapport going on.

Master the art of charm

Want to sweep the guy off his feet? Try these subtle flirting moves and he'll be charmed without knowing why:

A tilt of the neck exposes a vulnerable part of you, which signals that you trust him; while tossing your hair is a big sign of attraction. "Hair is sexy and twirling and tossing it draws a man's eye to it,"

Another flirty move: Lip licking. "It is a very sexy, and overt, type of body language that is, if it is done correctly. What we are talking about here is a slow, sultry swipe along your lips with the tip of your tongue,"

Will he ask you out?

It's official: You're madly attracted to him! But does he feel the same about you? Here's how to read between the lines:

Watch for mirroring moves. If he starts mirroring your behavior, it's good news.

You can also tell a lot from his desire to be physically closer to you. While you're chatting, take a step forward into the space between you, then quickly step back again. An interested guy will subconsciously step forward to close the gap.

Another obvious tell-tale sign: Break away from him and excuse yourself to the restroom. If you return and he's still in the same place, he's hoping you'd come back to him. So he can get your phone number!