Study reveals a universal flirting secret

Imagine the scenario: you finally have the opportunity to talk to your crush, and this is your chance to make a memorable first impression. You've heard that people often decide whether they like someone within just a few minutes, or even seconds, so it's crucial to make this time count.

If you're wondering how to best flirt with that person, psychologists suggest there's one technique that almost always works, though we emphasize the "almost." Collaborative research conducted by Norwegian and American scientists involved studying the responses of 1,000 individuals to 40 different flirting styles to identify effective and ineffective approaches.

The effectiveness of these approaches varied depending on what the person was seeking at the time. Those looking for something casual responded best to signals indicating the other person's availability, such as moving closer and maintaining eye contact. This, of course, should be done in a respectful and non-creepy manner.

On the other hand, individuals seeking a long-term partner were more attuned to signs of generosity and a willingness to commit because they wanted assurance that the other person was in it for the long haul.

However, there's one flirting technique that stands out as highly effective in almost any situation: humor. Being funny can make a significant difference, and it provides an opportunity for the other person to reciprocate interest, as laughing at someone's jokes is generally considered a positive sign in the flirting process.

But, it's essential to note that humor isn't a guaranteed success and is more challenging than simply saying, "Just be funny." Good comedy requires skill, and attempts to crack jokes can fall flat if not executed well.

While humor can be a highly effective way to flirt, there's little that's less appealing than a string of desperate and unfunny jokes from someone who isn't making people laugh. So, remember, it's as simple as being funny, yet as difficult as actually being funny. Just be sure not to overdo it.