" I think, therefore I am.

--Rene Descartes

"I flirt, therefore I am."

 --Lucky Bones

Descartes was right in a way, because to be a good flirt you have to use your brain. Whoever said that the mind is the biggest erogenous zone was absolutely correct, and while flirting may appeal to several senses, it all comes together in the mind. Using wit and humor when you flirt accentuates everything else.

First, let's lay to rest one misconception. Flirting does NOT have to be used just as an activity to get a date and for heaven's sake it should not be viewed strictly as the opening move of making a pass at someone. Leave your ulterior motives out of it and enjoy yourself.

I'll admit it, I'm an incorrigible flirt. I flirt with babies, I flirt with grannies, I flirt with girls young enough to be my daughters. And I almost always get at least a smile in return, and sometimes flirtatiousness. Flirting is a way of showing attraction, of paying special attention and appreciation to someone. Look them in the eye, smile, don't worry about your "opening line," everyone knows an opening line for what it is and if you've chosen your flirting target properly he or she won't care what it is. In fact, one of my best techniques is to give a smile that tells the person, "I know how silly this sounds, but I wanted to say something."

The one thing flirting should NEVER be is threatening. Of course, this mostly applies to guys who try to flirt aggressively. Get a clue, boys. If she won't make eye contact, she's not going to be receptive to you barging into her personal space. Flirting is nuanced, and that means you need to be aware of things, especially the other person's reaction. Don't force it. In fact, while I intend to put up a page with flirting tips and links, I could easily put up a page of sure ways to alienate people. I've seen it happen many times. I've even asked guys, "Does that approach ever work for you?"

So far no one has answered yes.