So, you’ve got a crush. Your heart races when they walk by, and suddenly, your life has turned into a rom-com (except… you’re playing the role of the awkward side character instead of the confident leading lady). Girl, we’ve all been there!
But listen up: there’s a fine line between “cute and flirty” and “OMG, does she not have a life outside of stalking this person?!” If you’ve ever wondered why your crush isn’t falling at your feet, it might be because you’re making one of these five major flirting mistakes. (Don’t worry, though, I’ll help you fix them before you accidentally scare them away!)
1. Texting Like You’re Their Alarm Clock
You: “Hey.”
Two minutes later
You: “Heyy.”
One hour later
You: “Oh wow, you must be busy lol. Haha. Anyway, what’s up?”
STOP RIGHT THERE.
Over-texting is the fastest way to come off as clingy. If they’re into you, they’ll reply. If they’re not, texting them like you’re their personal reminder app won’t change that. Instead, play it cool. Send a message, then leave it alone. I promise, the world will not end if you don’t double (or triple) text.
Fix it:
Let them have a chance to miss you! Text once and move on with your life (even if it takes every ounce of willpower to resist sending a follow-up).
2. Laughing at Literally Everything They Say
Crush: “Yeah, I forgot my math homework.”
You: “HAHAHAHAHA OMG you’re so funny.”
Girl. That was not funny. That was barely even a sentence.
Of course, you want to show you’re interested, and laughing at someone’s jokes is a great way to do that. But forced laughter at every little thing they say just makes it seem like you’re trying way too hard.
Fix it:
Be natural! If it’s funny, laugh. If it’s not, smile and move on. You don’t have to act like they’re a stand-up comedian when all they did was talk about their lunch.
3. Overanalyzing Every Tiny Interaction
Crush: smiles
You (to your friends five seconds later): “OMG THEY SMILED. Do you think they like me?! Or was it just a friendly smile? Or were they smiling at the person behind me? Omg, I need answers.”
Newsflash: Not every single action they take has a hidden meaning! If you read too much into everything, you’ll drive yourself (and your friends) completely insane.
Fix it:
Relax! Enjoy the moment without dissecting it like a crime scene. Flirting is supposed to be fun, not a full-blown psychological analysis.
4. Dropping Too Many “Accidental” Hints
You: “Omg, I wish I had a date to this party. If only there was someone…glances dramatically in their direction…anyone…who wanted to go with me.”
Hate to break it to you, but not everyone picks up on super subtle (aka painfully obvious) hints. If you’re constantly hinting but never actually saying what you want, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
Fix it:
Be direct! If you want them to ask you out, just say something like, “Hey, would you wanna go with me?” Confidence is 100x more attractive than awkward hint-dropping.
5. Being “Too Available” 24/7
“Oh, you need help with your homework? I’m on it. You need a ride? I’ll drive. You need someone to pretend to be your fake girlfriend to make your ex jealous? DONE.”
Okay, slow down.
Yes, being helpful is great, but if you’re always at their beck and call, you might start looking more like a personal assistant than a potential girlfriend.
Fix it:
Have your own life! Be busy sometimes. Have hobbies, hang out with friends, and don’t drop everything for them. Mystery is attractive, being a doormat is not.
Final Thoughts
Flirting is supposed to be fun, not stressful! If you recognize yourself in any of these mistakes, don’t panic, just make a few tweaks and let things happen naturally.
Now tell me, what’s the most awkward flirting moment you’ve ever had? (Spill the tea in the comments, I promise I won’t judge!)