I'm going to a party tonight, and someone attractive is going to be there.

[lightningandsnow]

Flirting tips, anyone? I mean, I have actually no idea how to flirt or anything; my last relationship started with me awkwardly blurting out "Willyougooutwithme?"

[DarkTirade]

1. I'm a big fan of the 'relax and be myself' thing.

I also have siblings, so I'm comfortable with the friendly teasing thing as well.

Seriously, the 'be yourself' bit is the best advice I can give though. Because if you try too hard to present a good picture of yourself then they're not going to be seeing the real you. And the real you is the one who wants to date that person. :)

[Symarip]

2. Get drunk and naked.

Not necessarily in that order.

[DarkTirade]

4. Just to warn you... she's underage. Best be careful about dispensing advice like that.

Although I did drive one of my co-workers nuts by making fun of that whole 'it's bad to talk about sex with people under that magical age of 18'... she's 17 and she was asking me if I had any advice for what to dress up as for Halloween. I said, "Well you could always... hmm... no. You're underage, that would be inappropriate for me to suggest that."

She went nuts trying to figure out what I'd been thinking about. And of course, I hadn't been thinking about anything. I just said that to make her wonder. :P

[Symarip]

5. I don't go around asking ID from people on DU

Ask an adult question and get an adult answer.

[DarkTirade]

6. I know, just letting you know ahead of time in case somebody gets all offended.

:)

[Symarip]

7. 10-4 buddy

I know it was a cautionary warning. You know what I'm saying.

Man, I'm hungover.

[petronius]

13. Some might say that your definition of "adult answer" needs some fine-tuning

:)

(I don't say that, however, because you posted the first thing that came to my mind.)

For the OP: IMO, flirting is something that happens naturally, and you really shouldn't try to do it. Force attempts at flirting quickly veer into the ridiculous or the macabre. If you are interested in meeting someone, just talk to them about something interesting ("gee, it's cold today!" is not interesting). Asking non-invasive question about something they care about is good. If you're nervous, bring a friend across the room so that the opening conversation is a group discussion - just keep your eyes on the prize during it...

Good luck!

[Orsino]

3. Flirting is waaaaaay overrated.

It's a shame that an inability or disinclination to flirt gets labeled "awkward." Relationships that start honestly are already a step ahead of those commencing with phony mystery and subterfuge.

Go be yourself, and ignore, if you can, people who want artificial mystique.

[Deep13]

8. Unknown. I never figured that out. I'm in the same boat you are.

Apparently it involves subtly communicating interest though the use of marginally relevent conversation and body language while maintaining plausible deniability.

[mcctatas]

9. I wish I could help you out...

but flirting has never been my forte. Good luck though, just relax and be yourself. :hi:

[plcdude]

10. Okay advice from an old man

so take it for what it is worth. If you see someone who you find attractive go over to them and strike up a conversation. Introduce yourself and ask questions about them. Find out how and why they came to this event. Find areas of common interest and/or backgrounds. If a woman does that to a semi-intelligent mature guy, he will respond and you may have a very interesting evening. If that is flirting so be it but I think it is just social interchange that could enrich both of your lives. You, whether you know it or not, are an interesting person share it.

[surrealAmerican]

11. Forget about "flirting".

Go to the party thinking you'll just talk to this person, to see if they are someone you might like to date sometime in the future. If you put too much pressure on yourself, you're setting yourself up to panic, and say something you don't want to.

[qb]

12. Be honest & sincere: "I like your [hair, shirt, etc.]" usually gets a conversation started.

:hi:

[NewJeffCT]

14. If it's a guy...

just walk up to him and say "hello, how are you?"

Most guys will appreciate you taking the initiative, rather than coyly flipping your hair or slyly glancing his way or giving him a shy half-smile. I know, I could never tell if the woman was being nice, or was flirting because she's interested.

Think of a couple of small talk things to say - "Who do you know at the party?" - "Any big plans for the holidays?" - "Do you want a lap dance?" - "What do you think of the weather?" - "How about those (fill in local sports team)?" And, if you're not prepared to talk sports, bring up a movie.

After a few question, you'll get a general idea if it's going anywhere and if you have chemistry.