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Psychologists from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology shared the results of a large study of the most effective flirting techniques for men and women. Their findings published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology.
The study involved heterosexual students from colleges in the United States and Norway. They were sent questionnaires in which they had to evaluate the effectiveness of 40 different types of flirting when looking for short or long-term relationships. The researchers also took into account the participants’ own levels of extraversion, their age, religiosity, relationship readiness, and a number of other important criteria.
Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair, professor of psychology at Norwegian University, explained that the most effective flirting technique depends on the gender of the person and the goal – for a long-term or short-term relationship.
For women looking for a short-term relationship – a fling or a one-night stand – the most effective technique was more than expected.
Friendly contact, such as a hug or a kiss on the cheek, is not enough in such situations, so women who want a quick romance are better off using signals that emphasize sexual availability. For example, various approaches, touches and bodily contacts.
Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair
Men seeking short-term affairs should not rely on only one technique.
The tactics that were found most effective for women for one night stands were exclusively sexual or physical. Men, on the contrary, were considered more effective if, in addition to physical and sexual contact, they also smiled, showed interest in conversations, made compliments, and just made the girl laugh.
Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair
For men looking for a long-term relationship, scientists have confirmed that “signs of generosity and commitment work best.” However, if you are looking for one universal flirting tip, then this is also available.
People think that humor or the ability to make the other person laugh is most effective for men who are looking for a long-term relationship. It is least effective for women who are looking for a one night stand. But laughing or giggling at the other person’s jokes is always an effective flirting tactic for both sexes.
Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair
If you find it difficult to be funny, Kennair recommends starting with another effective technique—smiling and making eye contact—before working on other flirting skills.
