Tips for Men

• The smile, the glance, and the lean work for guys as well as for women. But consider these caveats. First, any smile that's too leering or suggestive will turn a woman off. Think friendly. Lean too close or touch too soon, and you can seem more lecherous than likeable. Finally, don't make eye contact with any body part other than, well, the eyes. (And believe us, we notice.) It not only makes a woman feel objectified, but flirtation is about opening the lines of communication, not the promise of sex later on.
  
• Lose the canned pickup lines. Flirtation isn't about forcing someone to notice you; it's about subtle flattery.
  
• Touching your tie, hair, or collar is the male version of the aforementioned "lip lick." It signals preening behavior, meaning that you want to make a good impression.
  
• The eyebrow raise is a sure sign that you're paying attention to a woman. Relaxed brows signal that you're not really listening to what she's saying. But arched brows mean you're picking up on her cues.
  
• Guiding a woman across a room or shielding her from a crowd using a barely perceptible touch of your arm signals that you're protective, chivalrous, and polite.

Most importantly, remember that flirting begins before you go to a party or bar (or a laundromat or a bookstore). It begins with confidence, with realizing that the more people you connect with, the better your chances of finding the person who will become your soul mate.

While flirting can be fun, it can lead to sticky situations if you have second thoughts about the person whom you've invited into your personal space, for example. Know your personal comfort zone and always keep your safety in mind. Remember, good communication is the best way to avoid a potentially unpleasant misunderstanding.