Over the pandemic, we’ve been introduced to social distancing dating, and know it can feel like you’re trying to go swimming while wearing a winter coat and ski boots. The two just don’t seem to work well together.
Coronavirus is still very much part of our lives and will be for the foreseeable future, but if finding romance is something on your mind, there’re still plenty of ways to jump back in. You can even use the lessons learned in social distancing and dating and make them work in your favor!
# Try online before offlineIf you feel a bit anxious about meeting in person first, why not try an online date. Over the last year, it has become an increasingly popular first date option. And when we feel relaxed, it’s easier to have fun and be flirty.
Trying out a platform like Zoosk Great Dates, for example, allows you to go on a virtual tour of exciting foreign cities together. From exploring the culture and history of Japan to taking a wine tour in Italy, connecting online first can be a great way to test out the chemistry. This lets you put yourself out there from the convenience and comfort of your own home, where you feel at ease to let yourself shine.
# Make lingering eye contactThey say that the eyes are the window into the soul. If you want to flirt with someone and show that you’re interested, use your eyes! Flirty eye contact means looking directly into their eyes for periods of at least 3 seconds at a time. And it’s totally okay and recommended to lock eyes during conversation.
This is especially important during deep or titillating conversations. But always make sure you break away from gazing into their eyes by glancing away at times. The goal here is to get them to fall for you, not creep them out.
# Smiling is sexy
Few things are as attractive to quality partners as positivity. And nothing tells someone you’re a positive person like a smile. We’re not talking a Joker-esque perma-smile here, rather just making sure to keep that frown upside-down, giving that prospective partner an understanding that you’re happy, open, and interested in getting to know them.
# Let go and laughCountless studies have shown that humor and laughter bonds people and makes them more attracted to each other. By steering the conversations to comfortable topics that showcase your humor and/or theirs, you’re automatically setting yourself up to be a flirting master.
Don’t take it too seriously. Let your guard down and have a good time laughing together.
# Mirror, mirror on the wall This idea of mirroring doesn’t mean that you follow someone’s every move, but research suggests that when one person subtly copies the action of the person across from them, attraction tends to build. Again, subtlety is key here, by doing things like taking a drink when they drink or leaning in when they lean in, you’re flirting without saying a word.
If you’re making a good connection, you’ll probably find yourself unconsciously mirroring them anyway as it’s a natural physical reaction.
# Let your body do the talking
Each of the above falls under body language, but there are so many additional ways to flirt with your body I think it needs its own category. Simple body movements like leg crossing, leaning forward, touching lips, chin, and face, and consistent nodding are all proven flirting cues to use.
Some of these are conscious things you can control and some may happen more subconsciously, but whatever you do with your body, reveal yourself as open,