Without meaning to, most of us display symptoms of flirting. Now, though, exactly what is it that we mean when we say “flirt”? Is it the same for everyone, and what’s the point?
Assume nothing; everyone you know is a flirt. Even if some people are more gifted at it than others, it’s something all of us do instinctively and, at times, without even realizing it. I’m confused; define flirting for me, please. Is there a precise way to define it, and how does it manifest itself in the real world? Do we all flirt in the same way, or are there individual differences?
A person can flirt in an infinite number of different ways. There are those that communicate primarily by body language, while others prefer to make eye contact. Flirting can also be expressed through words and double entendres. Once again, some people are fantastic at it, while others are utter failures. You can improve your flirting skills and love chances with self-confidence and practice.
What exactly is flirting?
The human inclination to flirting is sometimes misunderstood as a frivolous technique to meet new people and score a one-night stand, but it also helps us eliminate unsuitable partners in our search for a life partner. Therefore, when you flirt with someone, you unconsciously assess their potential as a long-term mate.
Flirting is more of an array of actions than a single thing, making it difficult to pin down. Flirting, on the other hand, is a sexual and social activity. Behaving attractively around others is what we do because we want them to feel the same way about us.
How much of a flirt you are depends on your state of mind.
Many people are unaware of the subtle shifts in body language that accompany flirtation. When a man walks up to a lady and uses a lame pick-up line, he’s likely feeling cocky. The hips of a lady walking by a man with the expectation that he will approach her are likely swaying more than usual.
The truth is that all of these actions are automatic when our objective is to flirt with another person. Our minds are programmed to do this at those times.
That means it’s largely out of your hands how your body language comes across to someone you find attractive.
When you’re flirting with someone, you’re more likely to grin, look, and even stand so that your feet point in the direction of the person you’re interested in.
When you’re trying to attract someone on purpose, you act in ways you know will make them notice you. A woman may want to display her breasts since she is aware that many men find them attractive. He may try to show off his chest or biceps since he’s aware that women are attracted to masculinity and strength. That’s what we call “knowing flirtation” or “conscious flirting.”
Flirting is so natural, that animals do it.
If you want to understand subconscious flirting, look at the way animals attract their partners. In our pursuit of a mate, we adopt many of the same behaviors seen in other species. For example, male peacocks show off the size and variety of color of their feathers in hopes of enticing a female to mate with.
As a general rule, peacocks don’t realize they’re flirting with one another. They subconsciously undertake these mating rituals because they are essential to the survival of their species.
But as humans, we flirt in similar ways, too, usually according to gender.
The body language of women who are flirting with males in a bar was studied by psychologist Timothy Perper and anthropology David Givens.
The study revealed that the majority of women employed the same body language when engaging with someone they seemed to admire. They were subconsciously sending messages to the guys that they are young and fertile by playing with their hair, smiling, laughing, looking up at the males, swaying their hips, and licking their lips.
When the researchers subsequently flipped the study around to the men, they discovered many of the same tendencies amongst that group. The guys arched their backs to showcase their chest, sat with their legs spread open, and did acts that emphasized their power *being loud and assertive and exhibiting their money*.
Flirting involves both verbal and physical communication.
By now, we’re sure you understand that flirting relies just as heavily on nonverbal cues as they do on verbal ones. Because, let’s be real here, some folks should just keep their mouths shut if they’re trying to pick someone up.
Even if a person is speaking incomprehensible gibberish, your subconcious mind may respond positively to their flirty body language. Perhaps this explains why some people choose to go out with jerks. The two seem to have a natural affinity for one another.
It has been found via scientific investigation that our brains go into a frenzy in response to the sight of an attractive individual, much like the brains of those who have suffered from a certain form of brain cell injury. When we have a crush on someone, our rational mind temporarily shuts down, and we become incapable of making sound judgments. Fortunately, this is usually just a passing phase, and as the first euphoria wears off, we can get back to business as normal.
Flirting is lighthearted and harmless, and it may be the start of a beautiful long-term connection between two people. Learning the technical definition of flirting can help you pick up on the signals of interest from potential suitors.
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