A new study conducted by psychologists from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology assert to have identified the most effective flirting techniques for both men and women. The research, published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology, focused on college students in the United States and Norway, all of whom identified as heterosexual. The participants were asked to rate the effectiveness of 40 different flirting strategies for seeking either a short or long-term relationship, considering the gender of the flirter.
The researchers also examined factors such as the participants’ extroversion levels, age, religiosity, willingness to be in a relationship, and perceived attractiveness in the dating market.
“What’s most effective depends on your gender and whether the purpose of the flirtation is a long-term or short-term relationship,” clarified Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair, a professor of psychology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in a press release.
For women who want something brief, like a short-term relationship or a one-night stand, the most effective method was not very surprising.
“People consider signals that you’re sexually available to be the most effective for women who are looking for a short-term relationship,” Kennair explained. In these situations, friendly gestures like hugging or a friendly kiss on the cheek may not be sufficient. Therefore, women seeking a quick fling are better off using cues that emphasize sexual availability, such as subtly rubbing against potential partners, moving closer, and making body contact.
For men seeking short-term flings, relying on just one technique is not sufficient.
“The tactics that were judged most effective for women for a one-night stand were exclusively sexual or physical,” The researchers stated in their study. “In contrast, men were judged more effective if they, in addition to physical and sexual tactics, also smiled, showed interest in conversations, gave compliments, and made her laugh.”
The researchers discovered that for men interested in long-term relationships, “demonstrating generosity and a readiness to commit works best.” However, if you seek more general flirting advice, there was one type that seemed to be universally effective.
“People think that humor, or being able to make another person laugh, is most effective for men who are looking for a long-term relationship. It’s least effective for women who are looking for a one-night stand. But laughing or giggling at the other person’s jokes is an effective flirtation tactic for both sexes,” Kennair affirmed in the statement. This remained consistent among participants from both the United States and Norway in the study.
Rebecca Burch, a co-author from SUNY Oswego, US, emphasized, “It is not only effective to be funny, but for women, it is very important that you show your potential partner that you think they are funny.”
If you struggle with being humorous, Kennair suggests starting with another effective flirting technique – smiling and eye contact – and then progressing to other skills from that foundation.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: IFL Science
