Humans flirt through a combination of verbal and non-verbal cues, often driven by the desire for romantic or sexual connection.
Non-Verbal Flirting Cues
These cues are often subtle but can be powerful signals of interest:
- Eye Contact: An exchange of glances, holding someone's gaze a little longer than usual, or quickly looking away can indicate attraction.
- Physical Touch: Light and playful touches like hand-touching or touching hair can create a sense of intimacy.
- Body Language: Mirroring someone's posture, tilting the head, or having an open posture are often used in flirting.
Verbal Flirting Cues
These involve spoken communication designed to create connection:
- Chatting: Engaging in light, often witty, conversation is a common way to flirt.
- Compliments: Giving sincere and flattering compliments can show someone you admire them.
- Contact Information: Exchanging telephone numbers or other contact information is often a direct way to signal an interest in further interaction, as the references state.
Motivations for Flirting
- Desire for connection: A key motivation behind flirting is establishing a romantic connection with another person.
- Sexual Attraction: As mentioned in the references, many studies confirm that sex is a primary motivation for flirting.
- Fun and Playfulness: Flirting is often enjoyable and playful, regardless of the ultimate goal.
How it works in practice
Here's how these cues often combine:
| Flirting Method | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Eye Contact | Catching someone's eye and holding their gaze | Prolonged eye contact with a subtle smile. |
| Physical Touch | Light, playful touch | Gently brushing an arm or touching someone's hair lightly. |
| Conversation | Engaging in light, witty, and playful banter | Asking engaging questions with humour. |
| Compliments | Offering sincere and flattering words | "That color looks great on you." or "I love your laugh." |
Flirting is not always successful, and its effectiveness depends on numerous factors like social context, individual personalities, and cultural norms.
