People generally enjoy that stage of a relationship the most so you can do your own math here.

Just an anecdote, but I don’t think flirting is a specific thing to do per se, so feel it’s more just being honest to yourself and the other and letting it come out, I.e you shouldn’t think specifically about flirting, just say the things out loud you notice in the other or feel inside. Like tell them they look beautiful if they do. You create unneeded pressure when you think it as an explicit thing to do and master, when really, it’s messaging out loud your vulnerable observations and feelings we generally hold inside.

You feel bubbly inside with them? I would just go ahead and say that exactly as-is, without trying to be explicitly flirty or somehow “traditional” or beholden to the norms of what we’ve been taught flirting is.

Bubbly inside is fine if that’s what you feel. Their hair has amazing golden hues in the sun? Just say it if it feels right. You want to spend more time with them? That’s flirting, too, if you just say it out loud.

It’s vulnerable and scary, but it’s not hard or really even a bespoke thing to do. It’s letting yourself be vulnerable and open to hurt by voicing your thoughts, feelings and desires.

It can be fun too, since if the other is also struggling with knowing when it’s fine to voice things like that, you doing it signals it’s fine and you get all the warmth and love and voiced validation for yourself too. You get to hear how they perceive you, what is beautiful or exciting in you, you lower the barrier of just hooking up if it feels right for both, forming thoughts and feelings into words just starts coming more natural and it’s always just fun and exciting and validating, as well as all the other lovely things.

So what I’m trying to say is don’t think about flirting as a thing, just start saying shit out loud when you feel said shit. You like the way they look? Just start voicing it out loud, and it just flows naturally from there if the excitement is mutual.

Much less intimidating if you stop thinking about it and stressing about the concept of flirting as you’ve perceived it from media and such. It’s natural, comes readily for all, when the situation is right. All it takes is daring to take the jump, which is really the only serious blocker, being brave enough to be vulnerable. If you make flirting as a concept a blocker and a source of anxiousness too, you’ll have double the amount of anxiousness and blockers.

Best try and consciously just say things out loud instead. Half the stress and sweat, 100% of the reward ✨

You exchange dick pics on adam4adam and figure out where to hook up. Pretty straight forward imo

There’s active flirting, and then there’s unconscious, passive flirting that happens purely out of being genuinely interested in a person.

I am not a great active flirter, but I do know that my words and body language will do the heavy lifting, unconsciously.

Perhaps you’re in the same boat?

If you’re really unsure if they’re into you just ask. In my experience women appreciate directness and confidence.

What do you think flirting is, OP?

I feel like flirting isn’t really something people do while dating nowadays. I (and probably some other women) find it more annoying if you wanna get to know the other person. Most flirting I like is after you’re already in a relationship, because you can be sure that the other person is safe and not a creep. Of course you still need to find a way to show interest

What is this image sourced from? It looks really familiar

Flirting comes in a lot of forms. It should spring naturally, a fair bit more naturally with experience. But awkward flirting isn’t always a bad vibe either. On a date just let go of specific goals, be there to have a good time, being open to whatever that can entail as you connect. If you fixate on specific goals, you might overthink and become paralyzed when the date inevitably doesn’t go as planned. Try to be in a happy, relaxed headspace.

Generally flirting is pretty important, because it should be a natural, unforced extension of both parties feeling safe, being light-hearted, and having fun. But don’t try to force it.

When I went on the first few dates with my now-wife, I did not flirt with her as in try to tease her or do anything overtly sexual.

I honestly think I won her over because how enthusiastic I was about telling stories. She said I was so charming because of how passionate and animated I was while telling her about myself that she could see how confident and content I was.

Prior to meeting her at 35, I had never had a girlfriend and had only ever gone on 2 dates.

I’ve been flirting with my wife for 30 years

That’s like saying you don’t put in job applications and are trying to figure out why you can’t find employment

How are you going to communicate to the counterparty your interest in them?

Try to look at it from the perspective of the person you’re talking to. Nobody wants to make a fool of themselves, and assuming someone is interested (without evidence) is a great way for someone to become very embarrassed. Flirting is how you subtly let a person know it’s safe to suppose you might be into them and proceed accordingly. Conversations and invitations that are completely devoid of flirtation will instead tell them that you’re just being polite or friendly.

So it’s important!

Flirting is a pretty nebulous term.

My personal definition of flirting is any positive expression or behavior which:

1. Is an exception to your typical behavior or affect.
2. Targeted at a specific person, typically someone new.
3. Is heightened or marked by increased volume, nervousness, etc.

examples:

A typically reserved guy pulling you aside and animatedly asking about your interest.

A woman who normally doesn’t touch you is repeatedly teasing you about your shirt, pulling on the fabric.

A good friend begins to repeatedly and unexpectedly invite you over for one on one movie nights despite obvious inconveniences.

That’s just my opinion, though. I believe most people are looking for these heightened expressions of flirting to confirm interest.