Five subtle, but successful, flirting tips for teens

When kids hit their teens, flirting is as natural as primping in the mirror and taking three showers a day. In fact, the mirror affords a good place to practice flirting. You might raise an eyebrow, fluff your hair or try on winning smiles to guage the effect these gestures might have on the object of your desire. Here we offer five basic flirting tips for teens, most of which you can try out in front of the mirror, or with a friend or sibling.

1.Remember that flirting is an art. Just like dressing or applying makeup or hair enhancing products, your flirting should be subtle, not overdone. If you're too obvious or heavy-handed, it shows you'll end up looking a bit disingenuous or God forbid, even a little silly. You may also attract types who are equally heavy-handed and overdone. This premise is at the crux of all of our flirting tips for teens.

2.The second of our flirting tips for teens concerns facial expressions. While you girls may think that heavily lipsticked, provacatively pushed out lips are sure to catch plenty of attention, beware. This ploy may send the wrong kind of message to your 'target'. You're wanting to look like a vamp and you do! This either scares away your prey, or makes him wonder why you feel this is the only way to get his attention. Try this one out in the mirror and you'll see what I mean. Although it may sound counterproductive and perhaps old-fashioned, a simple, genuine smile works well. You might also try the enigmatic Mona Lisa smile. Both boys and girls enjoy a bit of intrigue. Is he/she smiling at me?

3.If you're a girl, the old trick of dropping a book by your locker, when that particular boy is passing, still works. Most boys will want to show their chivalry and pick up the book. This simple tactic gives you a moment to break the ice. I've seen you in science class, right? Take it from there.

4.If you're a guy, know that girls fall for chivalry. Opening car doors, giving her your coat on a chilly evening, that sort of thing. So many guys neglect these subtle ploys, thinking girls today don't appreciate those little gestures. But, they do. So try it, she'll love it.

5.The last of our flirting tips for teens was given to me by a young man who should know. Girls flock to him like bees to honey. He says, Basically, just be low-key, don't talk too loud and show that you're confident. There must be something to this flirting advice. It seems to work for him!

In summary, the subtle flirt wins over the heavy-handed every time. Try it and see for yourself!