Flirting Platonic Social Interaction Context Consider the location to assess whether flirting is appropriate or not. Bars Social mixers Dances Concerts Sporting events Coffeeshops Grocery stores Malls Gyms Public parks Work Interviews Waiting rooms Hospitals Funerals Public transit Courtrooms Church Bathrooms (or in lines) Body language Pay attention to nonverbal cues to figure out if someone is flirting. Making deliberate eye contact (or batting of the eyelashes) Slight glances down at the body or lips Light brushes on the hand or arm Leaning inward Playful nudges of the elbow (or knee if seated) Touching of the face (grooming or caressing) Preening (e.g., running fingers through the hair, small clothing adjustments) Open body language (natural, relaxed posture, no crossed arms) Mirroring body language Slight parting of the lips and/or puckering Some eye contact (looking away intermittently) Neutral facial expressions Maintaining personal space (arm’s distance length or more) Closed posture (e.g., crossed arms, slumped posture) Stiff, unrelaxed posture Facing away from you Tone of voice Listen to how the person is speaking. Playful, animated speech Speaking in a slightly lower voice Flat or monotone Unanimated or professional speech Disinterested (tired or annoyed) tone Type of speech Pay attention to how the person is steering the conversation. Giving a lot of compliments Trying to make you laugh Exhibiting moderate amounts of laughter (more than in normal conversation) Mentioning their relationship status Sharing personal information Pointing out their own weaknesses (and then complimenting you on your strengths) Bringing up the topic of sex (or making innuendos) Playful teasing Asking personal, in-depth questions Little to no laughter Avoiding the topic of romance Avoiding personal topics (either asking or sharing) Short or distracted replies (e.g., one word answers)