1. Be yourself

If there’s one rule to remember, it’s this: Don’t shapeshift for your crush. The right person will like you exactly because of who you are.

2. Keep it honest

Skip the mind games and exaggerations, and just say what you actually mean. Confidence is way more attractive than trying hard to impress.

3. Compliment them

A genuine compliment = instant mood booster (and foolproof way to flirt). Just make sure it’s real—people can tell when you actually mean it.

4. Let them take the spotlight

Psst: People love to talk about themselves. Give your crush the opportunity to tell you about themselves by asking thoughtful questions about their passions, goals, friends or fam.

5. Don’t overshare

As tempting as it may be, you don’t need to spill your entire life story away. Of course, share enough about your personal life to start building a connection—but remember to save a few chapters for later.

6. Show some Insta love

Don’t *you* feel flattered when people like your Insta pics? So will your crush! Throw ’em a heart—or, if you’re feeling bold, an emoji reply to a Story.

7. Don’t be *too* available

You don’t need to reply instantly every time they light up your phone. A little breathing room actually keeps thing interesting (just pls don’t ghost).

8. Tap into their interests

Whether it’s soccer, guitar or skateboarding, odds are your crush has a hobby. And if you two have one in common? Even better—it’s perfect conversation starter or excuse to hang out.

9. Make the first move (casually)

Ever felt like your crush doesn’t even know that you exist? A simple “hi” or hallway wave can go a long way.

10. Turn up the flirt

If you’re into them, let it show. Subtle is good—invisible isn’t.

11. Break the touch barrier

A tried-and-true flirt move? Playfully touch their arm next time you two are having a conversation. Try not to overthink it, but if the opportunity arises and it feels natural and right, go for the casual tap.

12. Share the snacks

You wouldn’t share food with just anybody, right? Swapping a cookie or two at the lunch table is a sweet and surprisingly memorable gesture.

13. Be confident

Shoulders back, head up…you’ve got this. And if you don’t feel confident yet? Fake it ’til you make it, babe.

14. Make eye contact

It shows you’re present, interested and actually listening (aka the holy trinity of flirting).

15. Keep the conversation flowing

If things start to stall (which, news flash, they will), be prepared with a random question (“What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?”) or a story about something that happened to you last week.

16. Don’t let the nerves control you

Here’s the thing: Even if you *feel* nervous, odds are your crush won’t be able to pick up on it. So if you have a brief awk moment? Smile, laugh and keep things rolling.

17. Look your best

 
Look good, feel good! It’s cliché, but it’s so true. And when you put a little bit of effort into your appearance, it makes you feel even more confident.

18. Recruit your friends

A little intel hurts. Ask a bestie to drop your name in a conversation with your crush to see how they react. Just keep it subtle. No full investigations, pls.

19. Be where they are

If you know that they spend a lot of time at a certain coffee shop, park or study spot, no harm in frequenting the same locales. But keep it chill. You want it to feel like a coincidence.

20. Stay in the moment

Try not to spiral 20 dates ahead. Focusing on what’s happening right now will make your connection stronger.

21. Start with group hangs

It takes the pressure off and makes the whole thing feel more relaxed.

22. Leave the exes out of it (at least, at first)

Nothing kills a first date vibe faster. Keep the focus on what’s right in front of you—you’ll learn more about their past as time goes on.

23. Let your humor shine

If you can make them laugh, you’re already halfway there.

24. Make your single status known

If they don’t know you’re available, they might not make a move. Drop a hint or two (or at least archive your IG pics with your former flame).

25. Just go for it

At some point, you’ve got to shoot your shot. The worst they can say is no—but best-case scenario? You’ve scored yourself an amazing new romance.

Top and slider image: @seventeen

Image credits: Giphy