Do you think you know how to flirt? First, see if you’re already following these 6 tips, and then we’ll take it from there.

1. Smile. This sounds obvious, but it’s actually controversial. One dating expert advises men not to smile too much when they’re with women, because it signals “beta” male characteristics. Not smiling can generate a lot of tension in the right circumstances. However, the beneifits of putting a woman at ease usually outweigh all other considerations early on in the interaction.

2. Set things up to appear spontaneous. Spontaneity is great. But sometimes it’s difficult to think of things on the spur of the moment. And you might get tired of waiting for things to happen that match the lines you have ready. So why not make things happen that will allow you to flirt? Example: make it look like you’re having to stop to tie your shoe right in front of a seated woman. Then say “now don’t get excited . . . I’m not proposing [smile]”. I’m sure you can think of other ways to set things up to appear spontaneous.

3. Be cocky. Every guy should try a little cockiness at some point in his life. I don’t advise people to be jerks. And cockiness can run a little thin if used too much or poured on too thick. But most guys err on the opposite end and put themselves down in front of girls. At some point risk coming across as a little bit of a jerk just to know where that line is. Then learn how to stop short of it. A man who knows how to be cocky without crossing the line has a huge advantage with women.

4. Thumbs forward. What? How is this going to help you know how to flirt? OK, this is a little strange perhaps, but have you ever seen a guy with his shoulders rolled forward, and the back of his hands facing forward when he walks? That is a “beta” male posture. Check yourself on this. Make sure when you walk your arms swing naturally, and your thumbs point forward, so your hands are parallel with your body. Seriously, if you’re doing this wrong, you have no idea how much this disqualifies you from the start.

5. Subtly imply that she’s being naughty. How early you do this depends on the situation and the woman. With some women in some situations you can use innuendo right away. And with others you have to wait for a more advanced stage in the relationship. But eventually, you want her to take on a “naughty” self image. Example: Bait her by saying something ambiguous. Get her to give you a smile. Then say, “I wasn’t saying THAT” (as if she’s got a dirty mind).

6. Show enthusiasm. Practice this at home. Read the newspaper and just try to make even the boring lines sound way cool. Then transfer that enthusiasm to the things you’re saying when you’re flirting with a girl.

Flirting is very important. It’s one of the most fun things in all of life if you know how to flirt well. Keep working on it, and take every chance you have to learn how to do it well.