Without even realizing it, you may be sending physical signals such as protruding your chest (whether male or female) but if you're a woman, you'll flash the flirtatious gaze especially once the interaction gets going.
Unintentional flirting, in the sense of “accidental flirting”, can't happen. Someone may act in a way that you may perceive as flirting. But that doesn't mean that person is flirting. Some people may be naturally inclined to smile often, laugh easily, and use physical contact to show non-romantic affection.
Giving compliments, using suggestive body language, maintaining eye contact, and perking up when you are around this person are all subtle signs of flirting.
She'll Do the Hair Flip
Women toss their hair or touch their neck when flirting because it exposes the armpit, which releases sex hormones, shows the curvature of the neck, and highlights shiny healthy hair. Hair flipping is done to draw attention5.
Little compliments are another sign that he's flirting. He may be subtle with these and compliment your clothes or your style, or he may just say things like, “wow, that's so cool!” with a passionate look in his eyes, or he'll say “I love that!” when you say something he agrees with.
Clues to spot flirting are body language, such as smiling, leaning forward, and touching, and verbal cues such as compliments or references to being available. You can also ask yourself if the person's behavior is consistent over time and whether they act differently with you than they do with others.
They are interested in what you have to say and ask you lots of questions. They laugh at your jokes, even the lame ones. They initiate physical contact. They try to find space where you can talk more privately (this does not always mean sex, but it often means they wish for more quality time with you).
Women take a passive role, receiving attentions warmly but without taking on any risk of rejection or making a bad impression. Their flirting is limited to indulgences like prolonged eye-contact, and "other nonverbal behaviours" (think twirling your hair and pretending to laugh).
If Your Conversations Feel Deep & Personal, They Might Be Flirting. Barrett says you should also pay attention to the nature of your conversations. “Friendliness is more surface-level, but a flirter wants to go deeper and get more personal, finding out about your life, your feelings, your past," he explains.
Harmless Flirting
This can mean buying a drink in a social setting, freely giving compliments, side arm hugs or other non-sexual touches, a platonic friendship. The term “harmless” is only applicable if you are willing to disclose this behavior (without shame or concern) to your partner.
Hold Eye Contact For 3 Seconds
To let him know you're actually interested—and not just looking around the room—hold the eye contact for a few seconds. Count to three in your head and then look away. And if you're feeling extra bold, quickly look back for just one more second.
Innocent flirting is a lighthearted and playful form of social interaction that involves casual, friendly banter, compliments, and teasing without any serious intent or expectation to pursue a romantic or sexual relationship.
But when a man likes you, his manner of flirting will be quite different. It may be little, subtle differences, but they will be there. So pay close attention. If his flirty compliments are: more thoughtful and sincere, and he is especially sweet and attentive, eager to make you happy, that shows you mean a lot to him.
If he compliments your eyes, the color of your hair, your laugh, or an admirable aspect of your personality, then he's definitely flirting with you. He may even tease you a bit while flirting with you, like if he says something like, "That's the brightest sweater I have ever seen," but he's still flirting with you.
Another clear sign he likes you is if he is actively trying to hang out with you, or help you, or find out more about you. There are also indicators like eye contact or compliments, and showing that he's interested in your physical appearance, or who you are as a person.
Certain body language, like licking his lips, moving his legs closer to you, asking about other men in your life, and raising his eyebrows while you talk, can clue you in about someone secretly liking you.
Natural flirts are usually self-sufficient. Even if you feel your techniques have been working like magic, hold on to that urge to cling and mark your territory. Flirting must be commitment-free. They enjoy the game: Whether you're indulging in some harmless, “healthy” flirting or turning on...
You might see him tugging on his buttons, straightening his tie, or adjusting his sleeve cuffs. These kinds of behaviors are subtle signs that he wants to look his best in front of you. In addition to tilting his body in your direction, a man attracted to you may begin to mirror your movements subconsciously.
Keep your body language open and relaxed. The key to good flirting often comes down to how you present yourself. Stand or sit with your shoulders back and your arms at your sides (or, at least, not across your chest). Do your best to look friendly and open, and offer a genuine smile when you're flirting.