Flirting is a fundamental fixture in humans’ sexual repertoire, a time-honored way of signaling interest and attraction , to say nothing of mutual awareness. It is a kind of silent language spoken by men and women around the world.
The Roots of Flirting
The ways people communicate interest are deeply rooted in human nature. All humans come equipped with the language of flirtation, from ways of glancing to movements such as licking one's lips, to meet nature's most basic command—find a good mate and multiply.
Flirting is not a trivial activity; it requires many skills: intellect, body language , creativity , empathy. At its best, flirting can be high art, whether the flirter is vying for a soul mate, manipulating a potential customer, or just being playful.
The process of flirting allows a person to signal interest in small increments, and enables both parties to gauge the interest level of the other. Flirting is driven by emotions and instinct rather than by logical thought. Yet profound information is transmitted in flirting—the gestures and movements used in flirting may provide reliable clues to a person's biological and psychological health.
People most often flirt to convey interest in someone and potentially build a relationship. But research has actually identified six specific reasons why people flirt:
Explore More About Flirting
For a comprehensive understanding of flirting, read our complete guide: