How to Flirt With Your Best Guy Friend

Flirting is fun and doesn’t have to communicate a romantic interest, reports communications researcher David Dryden Henningsen, Ph.D., in “Psychology Today.” You might flirt with your best guy friend simply because it’s fun, to see how he responds to the attention, to boost your self-esteem or his or because you really want to move from friendship to romance.

If your intention isn’t to signal a romantic attraction, let him know that so he doesn’t assume that your flirting means more, or less, than it actually does, advises “Wall Street Journal" columnist Elizabeth Bernstein in “The New Rules of Flirting.” You might ask if you can practice your techniques on him in preparation for using them on the hot guy in your class or at work. Flirting with him, if you aren’t serious, is less stressful and can help you perfect your technique if he’s willing to give you tips. It might also make him take a second look at you as a potential sweetheart.

Verbal flirting could be the easiest technique, and the most enjoyable, to use on your best guy friend. Techniques that work well include teasing and flattering him, showing interest when he talks by asking open-ended questions and laughing at his corny jokes, according to social media editor Elisa Benson in “35 Ways to Be a Better Flirt!” for “Cosmopolitan.” Send him a flirty text telling him that he’s cool or that you love the way he looks. Drop a note in his locker or backpack for him to find later. Giggle at his jokes or respond with one of your own, suggests science correspondent Joann Ellison Rodgers in “Flirting Fascination” for “Psychology Today.”

You can accomplish a lot of flirting just using body language, such as sitting hip-to-hip and shoulder-to-shoulder or touching his arm or hand lightly. Smile when he talks to you and lean forward to demonstrate interest. Toss or play with your hair, arch your feet when sitting and lick your lips while widening your eyes. Smooth your hands over your clothes when you stand up, emphasizing your attractive physical features for his approving gaze.

If your guy friend begins to respond in ways that let you know he likes what you're sending, such as teasing you, preening or touching you gently, you can take it to the next level if you like him a lot, too. Be obvious about your interest, recommends Benson. Mention that you wish someone would ask you to see a specific movie or participate in another activity as a date, and glance meaningfully in his direction. Tell him you enjoy his company and would love to flirt with him more often. It could be the start of a deeper relationship.