How To Flirt With A Guy: 27 Effective Tips To Spark His Interest

Playful texts, genuine smiles, and light touches can build an unforgettable connection.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 19, 2025

Playful texts, genuine smiles, and light touches can build an unforgettable connection.

Flirting is an age-old art that brings excitement and possibility into relationships. While it may seem intimidating, mastering the subtle nuances of flirting can make a world of difference when you have your sights set on someone special. This comprehensive guide shares 27 practical and proven ways to flirt with a guy — whether in person or over text — so you can confidently express your interest and create a memorable impression.

Why Flirting Is Important In Building Attraction

Flirting is more than playful banter; it is a form of communication that helps break the ice, builds attraction, and paves the way for deeper connection. By flirting, you show a guy you’re interested in him, make him feel desired, and set the stage for romance. The right flirting techniques can foster mutual confidence, anticipation, and even lay the groundwork for a budding relationship.

To further expand your understanding of effective flirting techniques that resonate in today's dating landscape, take a moment to explore our in-depth strategies from experts on flirting with confidence. These insights will empower you to approach interactions with both assurance and charm.

How To Flirt With A Guy Over Text

For many, texting is a comfortable first step toward flirtation. It gives you time to think, plan your approach, and ease into more direct interactions. Here are some essential flirting tips for texting a guy:

Use a nickname: Grab his attention by calling him a unique nickname — something meaningful to him, a playful twist, or inspired by someone he admires. Nicknames build familiarity and can help break the ice.
Throw a question: Start the conversation with open-ended questions to keep him engaged. For example, “What did you think about last night’s episode?” This approach shows you value his opinion and creates opportunities for flirty follow-ups.
Mention something that happened: Reference shared experiences or inside jokes. For example, “You sang so well today, I could have sworn John Legend was in the room!” Genuine compliments with a hint of playfulness leave a lasting impact.
Compliment subtly: Praise his qualities without going overboard. Subtlety keeps things mysterious and makes him want to hear more.
Flirt innocently: Drop hints or playful remarks, like suggesting he’d be perfect for a movie role. Then, change the topic or log off. Mystery piques his curiosity about your true feelings.
Give him a hint to ask you out: Lead the conversation toward a potential date by casually suggesting activities or foods you wish to try together. Ex: “I tried the new Italian spot near the bookstore. You’d love it; we should go!”
Know when to leave the chat: Don’t let conversations fizzle out due to boredom. Leave on a high note with a cliffhanger or plan to pick up the chat later, making him look forward to your next interaction.

If you're looking for creative ways to pique his interest beyond the usual tactics, check out our 16 subtle methods to signal your interest without overt flirtation. This will equip you with the tools to keep the conversation flowing while building attraction effortlessly.

Flirting over text can be just as impactful as in-person signals. Dive into our comprehensive guide on flirting over text to master the art of captivating conversations. Equip yourself with techniques that ensure your messages are not only received but leave him wanting more.

How To Flirt With A Guy In Person

Face-to-face flirting relies on body language, tone, and subtle cues that words alone can’t convey. These techniques tap into primal attraction and create memorable moments:

Smile genuinely: A warm smile communicates openness and approachability. Let your eyes light up when you greet him.
Make and hold eye contact: Locking eyes for few seconds builds a sense of intimacy and confidence. Don’t be afraid to look, then smile and glance away playfully.
Play with your hair: Lightly twirling a strand or tucking your hair behind your ear is a universally recognized sign of flirting.
Move closer: Reduce physical distance to suggest comfort. You can lean in slightly during conversations to show interest.
Use subtle touch: Lightly touch his arm or shoulder in conversation. Brief, casual touches can be powerful in creating chemistry.
Mirror his actions: Mimicking his gestures or posture builds rapport and subconscious connection. For example, if he leans forward or laughs, do the same.
Tease playfully: Gently make fun of harmless quirks or preferences to establish a lighthearted connection. If he mentions loving a specific cartoon as a child, playfully call him a silly nickname — but always back off if he seems uncomfortable.
Maintain good posture: Standing tall with relaxed shoulders projects confidence and makes you more noticeable.

27 Proven Tips To Attract Him

Here is a comprehensive table summarizing 27 tips and techniques for effective flirting, applicable both over text and in person.

#	Flirting Tip	How It Works
1	Use a unique nickname	Fosters familiarity and draws attention to your messages.
2	Ask open-ended questions	Shows interest and keeps conversation flowing.
3	Reference shared moments	Builds inside jokes and recalls positive memories.
4	Send light compliments	Increases his confidence and makes him feel noticed.
5	Create playful banter	Keeps the interaction lively and interesting.
6	Flirt innocently	Provides subtle hints, leaving him curious.
7	Drop date hints	Encourages him to ask you out by suggesting activities.
8	Exit chats with a hook	Leaves him wanting more conversation with you.
9	Send a good morning/good night text	Shows you’re thinking of him outside normal hours.
10	Be playful with emojis	Adds fun emotion to digital conversations.
11	Respond in a timely manner	Demonstrates enthusiasm without seeming desperate.
12	Use GIFs/memes	Shares humor and relatable content.
13	Smile warmly	Gives a positive impression in person.
14	Make eye contact	Creates a sense of intimacy and mutual attraction.
15	Play with your hair	Signals playfulness and interest nonverbally.
16	Change your tone with him	Adopts a softer or more melodic tone for emphasis.
17	Laugh at his jokes	Shows you appreciate his humor and personality.
18	Stand a little closer	Breaks the physical barrier, suggesting comfort.
19	Find excuses to touch	Brief, appropriate touches spark chemistry.
20	Mirror his actions	Establishes a subconscious sense of harmony.
21	Praise his interests	Shows you genuinely care about what excites him.
22	Tease lightly	Maintains playful energy, but stop if he seems upset.
23	Dress confidently	Enhances self-assurance, which is highly attractive.
24	Ask for his help	Invites him to connect and feel useful.
25	Share personal stories	Makes the bond more personal and relatable.
26	Express admiration	Highlights his strengths, boosting mutual attraction.
27	Follow up on past topics	Shows you listen and care about previous conversations.

Do’s And Don’ts Of Flirting

While flirting is meant to be fun, being mindful of boundaries, context, and mutual comfort is essential. Here are some important do’s and don’ts:

Do: Keep your tone light and playful.
Do: Pay close attention to how he responds — if he reciprocates, keep going; if not, pull back.
Do: Respect his personal space.
Do: Show genuine interest in what he says and does.
Don’t: Overdo compliments, as it can come across as insincere.
Don’t: Force jokes or tease too much, especially about sensitive topics.
Don’t: Flirt with someone who is clearly uncomfortable or uninterested.
Don’t: Rely only on text; face-to-face connection is important.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How can I tell if a guy is flirting back with me?

A: Signs include extended eye contact, smiling, teasing, finding excuses to touch, and making time for you. If he initiates conversation or responds quickly to your messages, he is likely interested.

Q: What if I’m shy? How can I flirt without feeling awkward?

A: Start with subtle techniques, like smiling, making brief eye contact, and asking questions. Flirting via text first can build confidence before progressing to in-person interactions.

Q: How do I avoid coming across as too forward or desperate?

A: Balance is key. Offer compliments or hints without overdoing it, maintain your independence, and end interactions (text or in person) on a high note, keeping him wanting more.

Q: Are there any topics I should avoid while flirting?

A: Avoid controversial subjects or deeply personal questions early on. Focus on lighthearted, positive topics that help both of you feel at ease.

Q: Can I flirt with someone I know through work or school?

A: Yes, but be extra mindful of appropriateness and boundaries, especially in professional or academic settings. Keep it subtle and always respect policies and comfort levels.

Final Thoughts: Flirting With Confidence

Flirting is ultimately about having fun, building connections, and expressing authenticity. Don’t be afraid of rejection — it happens to everyone. The real magic lies in your confidence, sense of humor, and willingness to be yourself. Use the 27 techniques listed here to hone your flirting game, and remember, the right person will appreciate your genuine interest and playful spirit.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete