Are You a Great Flirt? Here’s What Science Thinks (2 of 2)

If the thought of deciding what to do on a date stresses you out more than choosing a Netflix show with someone indecisive, don’t worry. The researchers identified three extremely simple flirting tactics that consistently land with the person you’re trying to impress. Think of them as the science-backed cheat codes for your love life.

Here they are:

1. Slightly turn your head to one side.
Don’t overdo it unless you want to look like you’re stretching your neck. A gentle angle is enough to create a softer, more inviting posture.

2. Tilt your head down just a little.
This subtle gesture gives your expression a hint of warmth, even bashfulness—something the study’s participants consistently perceived as flirty, not awkward.

3. Add a small, closed-mouth smile while keeping your eyes focused on the person you’re interested in.
Think “mysterious and cute,” not “I know a secret about you.”

This trio of expressions was tested using the Facial Action Coding System (FACS), a tool scientists use to categorize micro-movements in facial muscles. Researchers analyzed how women’s expressions shifted while interacting with men they found appealing. Interestingly, not every woman conveyed noticeable changes—but when they did, men were surprisingly skilled at interpreting the signals as flirtatious.

This wasn’t just a one-off observation. Across six separate studies, the same pattern appeared: men consistently recognized this combination of head tilt, angled posture, and subtle smile as unmistakable flirting. A regular smile didn’t have the same effect. It seems the magic lies in the mix of softness, confidence, and just a touch of mystery.

It’s fascinating how such tiny adjustments can completely transform how someone perceives you. A slightly angled head and a simple smile can communicate interest far more effectively than a string of compliments—or worse, overthinking every word that comes out of your mouth. And if you’re shy or not used to being direct about your feelings, this micro-expression trio may just become your new favorite tool.

Of course, trying these moves over a glitchy video call may not pack the same punch. Virtual flirtation doesn’t always lend itself to subtlety. But once you’re face-to-face again—or if your camera quality isn’t from 2009—you can absolutely put these signals to the test.

In the meantime, while you’re navigating text conversations, online dates, or socially distanced meetups, keep this in your back pocket: flirting isn’t guesswork. It’s a real, observable behavior grounded in psychology. And if you use it intentionally, people can genuinely tell when you’re interested.

So go ahead—experiment with the tilt, the glance, the soft smile. You never know. One tiny head angle might be all it takes to turn an ordinary moment into the start of something exciting.