Love

How To Flirt With Someone You Just Met

woman and man flirting in a bar

Eyeing the cutie across the room? Learn how to flirt with confidence! You don't need to know someone to flirt up a storm. Chat him up and make your intentions clear with this advice on flirting with someone you just met.

1. Adjust your body language. All those witty one-liners won't get you far if your body language doesn't follow suit. Make sure the object of your flirtation can tell that your focus is on him: if you're standing, point your feet towards him, not towards the door like you're getting ready to run out. Sitting? Cross your legs towards him to create a more intimate, one-on-one vibe, especially if you're at a bar or another crowded space.

2. Smile. That smoldering, bedroom eyes look you're flashing him is sexier in your head—to him, you likely just look angry and unapproachable. So flash him a grin instead. 

3. Be a copy-cat. Mirroring—subtly copying his body language, gestures, and facial expressions—can go a long way in creating comfort and intimacy when you've just met someone. Is he leaning over the table with one arm? Crossing his legs? Do the same in a low-key way—this isn't a synchronized event—and you'll suddenly feel more familiar to him.

4. Invade his personal space. Don't be afraid to get in his face a little. It's hard to send out flirty vibes if you've got six feet of air between you two. Lean in towards him, take your hands out of your pockets and don't bother yelling over the music. Encourage him to get closer instead.

5. Get touchy-feely. Ease into it: before you start running your hand up his thigh or playing footsie, try grabbing his shoulder (for stability, of course) as you hoist yourself up on to your bar stool. Or graze his back with your hand on your way to the ladies room. Take note of how he reacts: if he flinches or backs away, he might be uncomfortable.

6. Compliment him. No need to gush about how unspeakably hot you find him, but a compliment, even a small one, sends the signal that you're interested in more than just making friends. The compliment itself doesn't matter too much: just try to keep it PG-13. Feeling shy? Give him props on his style. It's not so personal that it'll make you blush, but personal enough that he'll feel flattered. 

7. Turn the tables. Playfully accuse him of flirting with you. If he bumps you accidentally while reaching for his drink, laugh and jokingly tell him that he doesn't have to be so nervous around you. Squeezed together like sardines in a crowded bar? Tell him that if he wanted to cop a feel, he could have just said so. A lighthearted approach is key in making him feel flattered, not sleazy.