Flirting comes easily to some, but for those for whom it doesn’t, some guidance may be needed.

If you’re not so good at flirting, it means you might have someone ‘that got away,’ but if you want to up your technique, a flirting expert has explained how you can confidently speak to someone you fancy and bag a date with them. And with ‘how to flirt’ a popular search term on TikTok, you’re not the only one wondering how to communicate with your crush.

According to WikiHow, “clear signs of flirting” are: “lots of eye contact and smiling, being curious about your relationship status, and specifically asking to do something with them in the evening, like getting a drink, or on the weekend.” But how can you pluck up the courage this ‘Flirt Day’ (February 18)?

Flirt Day holds significance in reminding us of the importance of light-hearted interactions and playfully expressing our feelings for somebody else. It encourages people to break the ice with someone they fancy and spark connections, and infuse a sense of fun into their interactions.

Relationship and flirting expert Dr LaShandra Batiste-Manary from Liquid London said that being “natural” is the best way to bag yourself a date.

She said: “Sweet-talking your way to a date [with someone] isn’t about having the perfect line; it’s about confidence, a little charm, and knowing how to spark a fun conversation.

“Instead of a basic compliment, try something playful like, ‘You look like someone who knows all the best coffee spots; what’s your go-to?’ It feels natural and gets them talking.”

Another thing that she says “never hurts” when you’re trying to impress someone and show them the real you is a “bit of humour”.

“Teasing in a lighthearted way can create instant chemistry,” she assured, and if you’re ready to give a compliment to the person you’re speaking to, “make it specific” so it “actually means something” to the recipient.

She said that it’s really important to be “present” when you’re speaking and flirting with someone and to “listen, go with the flow” and not “overthink it”.

She said: “If the moment feels right, drop in something casual like, ‘I feel like you’d know all the hidden gems in the city. Should we test that theory sometime?’

“It’s all about confidence, curiosity, and making the conversation feel effortless.”

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