If You Hate Small Talk But Still Want To Be Flirty, These 9 Phrases Create Instant Chemistry
Edward Smith | Canva Flirting can be a lot of fun if you know how to do it the right way. However, when it’s time to catch someone’s eye, stress and anxiety take a toll on many people because they hate small talk. Flirting quickly turns into a disaster when a lack of experience and fear of rejection hit hard. It’s often difficult to know if someone likes you.
Still, if you want to find love, you’ve got to get out there and trust your instincts — and these phrases are the best at creating instant chemistry. Sometimes, the best practice is trying new tactics during a flirtatious encounter to see how they land. So go ahead, be flirty!
If you hate small talk but still want to be flirty, these phrases create instant chemistry:
1. 'They say that nothing lasts forever. This being said, will you be my nothing?'
Why it works: It's cheesy, but it also adds an unexpected element to the flirt. It feels fresh, and chances are a lighthearted recipient will appreciate your playful banter.
A study found that humor is really attractive because it signals intelligence and creativity in ways that are really hard to fake. Participants across the U.S. and Norway rated playful, lighthearted flirtation tactics as effective for sparking romantic interest, showing that being a little cheesy works in your favor.
2. 'If you stood in front of a mirror holding 11 roses, you would see 12 of the most beautiful things in this word'
Why it works: This quote effortlessly compliments the flirt-ee’s appearance. It is unexpected and somewhat indirect, but it’s also creative and cute.
According to research reported by TIME, when a stranger paid someone a compliment instead of just asking for the time, 83% of people read the interaction as flirtatious, compared to only 26% without a compliment. They also found it wasn't the most conventionally attractive people who got approached the most, but the ones who put themselves out there with confident, creative gestures.
3. 'Let’s flip a coin! Heads – you’re mine; tails – I’m yours'
Katerina Holmes / Pexels
Why it works: Humor nearly always wins. (See #1.) When in doubt, try to make the person you’re flirting with smile. Be careful with the humorous approach, though. Try to keep things lighthearted, but avoid anything potentially offensive.
Researchers at the University of Kansas found that when two strangers meet, the more they laugh together, the more romantically interested they tend to be in each other. Shared laughter might actually be a pathway toward developing a longer-lasting relationship, which is a pretty strong argument for leading with something funny.
4. 'You remind me of my next girlfriend/boyfriend'
Why it works: This one is rather unexpected, especially when it comes from a lady’s lips. But in the flirting game, “unexpected” is a win-win!
People who use a "playful" flirting style reported more dating success than people who played it safe. One study observed 51 pairs of strangers interacting and found that those willing to take small social risks came across as more memorable and attractive than the overly-cautious crowd.
5. 'I’m just planning my future, and I wanted to ask you: Are you free for the rest of your life?'
Why it works: This one can be a bit risky, but with the right person, it could potentially reward you. This phrase shows confidence, but sometimes, that self-assurance comes across as arrogance. Work on the proper delivery on this one, and don’t overdo it.
6. 'I’m not flirting. I’m just being super friendly to someone who is super attractive'
Why it works: This statement accomplishes two things—it features a joke and a compliment at the same time. If you’re looking for a way to kill two birds with one stone, this light-hearted banter would do the trick!
Wrapping a compliment inside a joke takes the pressure off both people and keeps the energy playful, which is exactly the kind of low-stakes flirting that builds real connection. Relationship expert Sean Jameson advises, "If he's laughing and joking back, you can take things a little further."
7. 'You’re so beautiful that you made me forget my pickup line'
cottonbro studio / Pexels
Why it works: Again, unexpected lines sometimes make for the best first impressions. Girls anticipate cheesy pickup lines. Not only is this one not corny, but it also compliments her appearance and makes her feel good about your interaction with her.
8. 'If you like water, then you’d like 80% of my body'
Why it works: This flirtatious quote is ridiculously silly. It shows that you’re not afraid of being goofy in order to break the ice.
A 2025 study found that people are drawn to funny dating partners because humor is perceived as a sign of creative ingenuity, and this was true regardless of gender. Being willing to be a little goofy and lighthearted, rather than trying to seem smooth or impressive, actually made people seem more approachable and fun to spend time with.
9. 'I dropped my drink on my foot when I saw you. I’ll need your name and number for insurance purposes'
Why it works: Although this is an obvious play at getting contact information, the fact that you want to be creative instead of sticking with your usual lines is most definitely going to pay off for you.
Being single comes with its challenges, and one of the biggest is attempting to find the right match. Remember to have fun when you put yourself out there. Rejection sucks, but you can get over it quickly if you meet new people regularly and enjoy their company.
Unwritten is a website dedicated to all things about the millennial lifestyle.
