Know the kind of a flirt you are dealing with

Know the kind of a flirt you are dealing with

It's official now and there's research to prove it too -men and women can be divided into categories based on the way they flirt! Sure, people do have flirt detectors, but if you come across one, here's how you can tell what kind of a person you're up against. And while there is no `one size fits all' to flirting, there is no harm in knowing what you're dealing with... 

THE PLAYFUL FLIRT

You know the guy who lures you into a conversation so easily that it is often tough to remember just how you got into it, but know that you're having a really good time? Dating expert Ankit Anubhav says these kind of flirts usually have a good success rate, being all slick and funny with their moves. However, women shouldn't look at anything long-term with them. “These guys are more honest in their approach, since the casualness and the light, playful teasing doesn't hide their intent at all that they are not looking for anything and it's something women can easily see through.“ He says, adding that speed-dating is where these guys might really pull it off. Women who can match the playfulness and hit back with some of their own moves, come off as stronger in the relationship and know what they want. Surmeet Kaur, a 32-year-old city-based professional, says she likes flirting playfully, but with the right kind of guy . “If the guys don't act too serious or fresh, it's always fun to get a bit of playful flirtiness going. If nothing, one can at least get a good conversation out of it,“ she muses.

OUTCOME - Expect a short-term relationship, fun date nights and a lot of interesting casual conversation. But long-term prospects might be tricky if you face this approach. 

 

THE PHYSICAL FLIRT

As the name suggests, there is a lot of physical intimacy with this kind of guy It's a lot of non-verbal communication where.the guy touches your knee of your hand lightly to make a point. While there is a fine line between being physical while flirting, the ones who are good at it can develop a great intimacy , and the ones who aren't so subtle, could easily put a woman off. Still, if one feels the connection is great, there's no harm or need to feel threatened. But if you feel the guy is coming on strong, let it be known. Women too, are great with physical flirting, but it's up to a guy to pick up the queues since they are a bit subtle about it. So, if you catch her making eye contact more than a couple of times, it's mostly on. Also, quick gestures like a tilting of the head and leaning in close during conversations or laughing when the joke's not that funny, are all signs that she's physically flirting

OUTCOME - There is often great intimacy in such relationships, even though they might not last. 

 

THE TRADITIONAL FLIRT

An approach that is common to most guys who aren't that outgoing, this guy will not flirt outside of a traditional environment. Almost a conservative, he will be cautious and polite when flirting. These are not people who will artfully crack you up in the supermarket queue, or randomly initiate a conversation that takes interesting turns. They would instead choose to make meaningful conversation. Actress Ragini Khanna says that such men interest her. “I hate empty talk. For me, conversation and intellect are right up there. Also, I can always say if someone is being sincere or not. It's refreshing to meet someone genuine like that.“

Women who are traditional flirts will almost always expect men to make the first move, and will take a more passive yet assertive role, in flirting. Also, if a woman who is a traditional flirt knows you from before, you have a better chance of bagging a date, since she would prefer to sit back and wait to be wooed.

OUTCOME - Traditional flirting could lead to a serious and meaningful relationship if you're ready for it. 

 

THE SINCERE FLIRT

This kind of a guy would want to be introduced to you rather than go out and make first contact. It's mostly the case when introverts try to flirt. The downside of this is that the woman might not always realise that the guy is flirting with her. Says Ragini, “There are so many times when I don't even know the guy is flirting with me. My friends tell me later that they felt he was!“ However, Anubhav, who often speaks with women in the course of his work as a breakup counsellor, says these kind of flirts would play a waiting game and rely on strong emotional connections, rather than risk mak ing a move, which might get boring if the woman is not too interested. For instance, the girl you just met might not be interested in knowing about how exactly your last relationship failed or what your gym routine is.Women on the other hand, develop a more intimate connection if they take this approach. So, if there's lots of personal information being disclosed by a woman, you know that she's the sincere kind and that she's interested.

OUTCOME - A healthy relationship could come out of it, albeit you both started on the right note and didn't meet on a dating site.