How to Flirt With a Guy: 13 Proven Ways to Grab His Attention

Master the art of flirting with confidence—learn subtle techniques, expert tips, and playful moves to catch his eye and make a memorable impression.

Written by Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Last Updated on

 

Feeling butterflies when you see your crush? Imagining the perfect conversation, but unsure how to make it happen in real life? Flirting can feel intimidating, but it’s a skill anyone can master. Whether you want to catch a guy’s eye at a party, build chemistry with someone special, or just have fun, these 13 expert-approved flirting tips will boost your confidence and help you stand out.

Table of Contents

Why Flirting Matters

Flirting is more than playful words or gestures—it’s a subtle way to show interest, attraction, and confidence. Modern women are increasingly comfortable making the first move. Flirting helps break the ice, communicates intention, and builds a bridge between you and your love interest. Done right, it celebrates your personality, makes others feel good, and starts genuine connections.

13 Best Ways to Flirt With a Guy

Mastering the art of flirting is all about subtle cues, genuine interactions, and confidence. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective techniques:

1. Make Eye Contact

Strong, confident eye contact is your secret weapon. Spot your crush across a room or at an event, let your gaze linger for a moment, and add a gentle, playful smile before looking away. If you already know him, maintain eye contact during conversation to show you’re listening and engaged. But remember to keep it natural—not a stare-down.

  • Lock eyes briefly, then look away slowly with a soft smile.
  • If possible, repeat the moment—most guys take a couple tries to catch on!
  • Deep eye contact during a chat shows he has your full attention.

2. Smile Authentically

A warm, genuine smile is inviting and disarming. Smiling lets a guy know you’re happy, approachable, and interested. Fake grins are easy to spot, so let your smile reflect true enjoyment or humor during your interaction.

  • Flash a quick, sweet grin when your eyes meet from afar.
  • Let your smile linger if he says something funny or charming.

3. Use Playful Touch

Physical touch, when used thoughtfully, can create sparks. Light, casual touches—like a quick hand on his arm while laughing, or picking a bit of lint from his shirt—let him know you’re comfortable and interested. Always respect boundaries and gauge his comfort level.

  • Bump shoulders playfully if you’re joking or walking together.
  • Lightly touch his arm to emphasize a point, then pull away.
  • If you sense hesitation, back off—consent and comfort always come first.

4. Mirror His Body Language

Mirroring builds subconscious rapport and comfort. Subtly match his gestures, posture, or speech pace. If he leans in, lean a little closer; if he smiles, let yours grow.

  • Match his relaxed or animated stance without mimicking every move.
  • Stay natural so the effect is subtle, never forced.

5. Tease and Play

Light, playful teasing breaks the ice and signals confidence. Poke harmless fun, joke about a shared experience, or playfully challenge him. The key is balance—never cross into mocking or mean territory.

  • Say things like, “Trouble seems to follow you!” with a smile.
  • If he teases you, lean in and whisper, “Oh, you’re trouble, aren’t you?” then pull back with a grin.
  • Be receptive—if he doesn’t respond well, shift to something else.

6. Compliment Him (Genuinely!)

Men rarely receive sincere compliments, so yours will stand out. Focus on specific traits—his style, a recent accomplishment, or the way he makes you feel.

  • “Wow, these shades suit you—you’ve got great taste.”
  • “I like your haircut—looks really sharp!”
  • Support him emotionally when things don’t go his way to show you see and care about the real him.

7. Be Bold: Start the Conversation

Gone are the days of waiting for him to make the first move! Approach him confidently with a simple greeting or witty observation. It doesn’t have to be a grand statement—often, a casual “Hi, I couldn’t help but notice…” works wonders.

  • Ask an open-ended question about something in your environment.
  • Share a quick story or comment about the occasion.

8. Show Interest in What He Says

Attentive listening is magnetic. Lean in when he talks, nod, and ask follow-up questions. Let your facial expressions show curiosity and engagement.

  • Remember little details he shares and mention them later.
  • Ask deeper questions based on his answers—not just, “What do you do?” but, “What do you love most about it?”

9. Maintain Good Posture

Your body language sends strong signals—so stand tall, relax your shoulders, and don’t shrink yourself to seem smaller. Open posture suggests confidence and approachability; closed-off posture (crossed arms, looking down) can appear standoffish.

  • Angle your body toward him when you chat—this subtle move communicates interest.
  • Avoid fidgeting or excessive self-touching, which shows nervousness.

10. Be Innocently Seductive

Seduction in flirting is about subtlety, not over-the-top gestures. Simple, understated moves—like slowly licking foam off your coffee spoon, or tossing your hair with a smile—create intrigue without being obvious to everyone around.

  • Whisper something playful, then draw back just enough to leave him guessing.
  • Let your humor and charm come through in light moments.

11. Use Flirtatious Gestures

Physical cues, like playing with your jewelry, twirling your hair, or gently touching your lips when you glance at him, can signal interest nonverbally.

  • Subtle gestures are key—avoid overly dramatic movements that may seem forced.
  • Let your gestures flow naturally with the conversation.

12. Express Your Intentions—With Confidence

If you’re feeling a spark, it’s okay to let him know! Confidently express your attraction, even in small ways. Modern dating is about clear communication—so drop hints, but don’t be afraid to show you’re interested if the moment feels right.

  • “I really enjoy talking with you. Would you like to grab coffee sometime?”
  • Send a message or DM to reiterate your interest after you part ways.

13. Be Yourself

The best flirting is authentic. Let your quirks show, laugh at your own jokes, and relax. At the end of the day, you want someone who likes you for who you are—not a persona you put on.

  • Embrace vulnerability—admitting your nerves can even be charming.
  • Focus on having fun, not achieving a specific outcome.

Top Dos and Don’ts of Flirting

  • Do maintain eye contact and smile—these are universal signs of approachability.
  • Do initiate conversation—confidence is attractive.
  • Do listen attentively and respond thoughtfully.
  • Don’t be disrespectful or push past his comfort level.
  • Don’t overthink—relax and let the interaction flow naturally.
  • Don’t make negative or self-deprecating jokes.

Infographic: 7 Quick Ways To Flirt With a Guy

  • Eye contact: Lock eyes, smile, and look away.
  • Smiling: Flash a genuine, inviting smile.
  • Light touch: Brief, casual hand or arm touch.
  • Compliment: Sincerely praise his look or vibe.
  • Mirroring: Subtly mimic his posture or gestures.
  • Playful banter: Tease lightly and have fun.
  • Be confident: Start the chat if you feel the vibe!

Don’t wait for him to step up—taking initiative can be empowering and increases your chances of success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does flirting always mean you’re interested in a relationship?

A: Not necessarily. Flirting can be a fun, harmless way to build rapport or test chemistry. But clear communication is important if your intentions are serious.

Q: How do I know if he’s flirting back?

A: Look for signs such as returning eye contact, playful teasing, mirroring your gestures, prolonged conversation, or finding excuses to be near you. If he’s smiling, engaged, and keeps the chat going, you’ve likely piqued his interest.

Q: What are some quick conversation starters when flirting?

A: Mention something in your shared environment (“This playlist is great! Do you know it?”) or compliment confidently (“That’s a cool shirt—where did you get it?”). Even light jokes or funny observations can get things rolling.

Q: Can you flirt over text or DM?

A: Absolutely! Use humor, playful emojis, teasing messages, or compliments. Be genuine, stay light, and match his energy—texting can be a great low-pressure way to practice flirting.

Q: What if he doesn’t respond well to my flirting?

A: Not every interaction will lead to sparks. If he seems uninterested or uncomfortable, respect his signals and move on. Confidence includes knowing when to gracefully bow out.

Final Thoughts

Flirting is about connection and confidence, not just clever lines or tricks. The best results come from a combination of self-assurance, social awareness, and genuine interest. Take the initiative, enjoy the process, and remember—sometimes the best move is simply being yourself!

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete
Latest Articles