How To Flirt Online
Flirting With a Click
While you’re browsing you see the perfect profile- this person looks great, seems funny and interesting, and is open to meeting new people. The big question: What do you do now? We’ve had years to practice flirting in the real world, but online you can’t touch your hair or gently brush your crush’s arm. Fortunately, there are ways to flirt before your first date- so get ready to click your way to flirtation.
Putting Yourself Out There
Flirting is always about showing confidence- it helps other people realize what an attractive person you are. Online, that means that taking the first step is crucial. Starting the conversation with an attractive person is the only way to get their attention. Flirting online takes guts- we admit it. But once you get started, it gets easier from there.
Choosing the First Message
Usually there are two ways you can reach out to potential dates- winking or messaging.
Most online dating sites provide a form of contact like “winking” (though it may have different names on different sites). What does a wink do? Simple- it draws attention to you. If you wink at someone, they’ll look at your profile, explore, and decide what to do next. Positively, it’s an easy way to interact and puts the pressure of the next step onto the other person. However, it also means that your profile has to speak for itself.
Messaging is the other way you can open contact. It takes a little more skill to come up with a good opening line, but it also starts a conversation. The key to a good message? Keep it light. Comment on a funny quirk in a person’s profile, riff on a favorite quote, or even tell them about the expression in their picture. Because you don’t know the person yet, it’s key to show that you’re funny, smart, and easy to talk to.
Taking it Further: Getting to a First Date
Each online dating service has different ways to contact members (check out our online dating reviews to read details). You can usually message and chat, and occasionally you can even video chat with a potential date.
Here are the ABCs of keeping a conversation flowing:
- Always be asking. This is a new person- you should be asking them interesting, relevant questions about who they are and what they’re passionate about. They’ll love that you’re interested and, honestly, who doesn’t like talking about themselves?
- Bring a lot to the table. This is your chance to sell yourself- so do it. You have a lot to offer, and if a point in the conversation lets you mention your cool hobby, great job, or sexy hair, then go ahead and speak up! Of course, you want the transition to be natural. But a little self-promotion can go a long way.
- Confidence is cool. Confidence doesn’t mean bragging or being arrogant- it means having a conversation without worrying about what people might think about you. Don’t dwell on yourself- ask what you want, be ready to laugh, and open up when it’s appropriate. There’s nothing more attractive than someone who is confident enough not to care how they look.
Now Start Clicking
Flirting online is an art form- it will take a little practice for you to perfect your digital hair-toss and electronic smile. But once you do, you’ll find out that the person with the perfect profile will be eager to flirt back.
Tags: confidence, flirting, love, online dating tips, profiles
