You’ve got your eye on a certain cutie, but you’re unsure if he likes you back or will work up the nerve to ask you out. While some guys are bold enough to make the first move, others need a little extra encouragement and a confidence boost. With the right flirty signals, you can create an opening for him to take that first step.
Here are 6 clever yet subtle flirting tips to encourage him to initiate things and make the first move:
Give Him Flirty Compliments
An easy way to show you’re interested and stroke his ego is through sincere compliments. Look for opportunities to praise:
- His style – “That shirt looks really good on you!”
- Physical features – “Your eyes are such a pretty shade of blue.”
- Personality traits – “You’re so funny, you always crack me up.”
- Talents – “You’re an amazing guitar player!”
Flattering him in these ways sends the message that you like what you see. Boosting his confidence increases the chances he’ll then pursue you.
Initiate Inside Jokes Between You
Creating your inside jokes and laughing together establishes closeness. Humor also lightens the mood for flirting. Ways to start private jokes include:
- Referencing funny memories only the two of you share
- Teasing each other playfully about quirks
- Making up silly nicknames or one-liners
When you two can make each other laugh, it signifies a sincere connection. He’ll want to spend more time bonding with someone who “gets” his sense of humor.
Break the Touch Barrier
One signal that you’re open to escalating physical contact is subtly integrating touch when interacting. For example:
- Briefly placing a hand on his arm, back, or shoulder when you say hello or laugh
- Playfully nudging him after a joke
- Sitting close to your knees casually touch
- Lightly returning contact if he touches you first
These innocent touches build intimacy, showing you’re comfortable with contact. Once touching starts, he’ll likely initiate further and firmer touch.
Ask Him Lots of Questions
People love talking about themselves. Encourage him to open up by asking thoughtful questions:
- “What are you passionate about?”
- “What’s your favorite childhood memory?”
- “If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?”
- “What do you geek out over?”
This shows genuine interest in who he is. Meaningful conversations build a connection, making planned dates the natural next step.
Laugh at His Jokes
When a guy truly makes you laugh, react! Genuine giggles and smiles boost his confidence that you share a playful chemistry. Other tips:
- Maintain eye contact while laughing so he knows it’s with him, not at him
- Lightly touch his arm during funny moments
- Lean in closer when amused to show you like his humor
Your authentic, flattered laughter gives him the green light to keep you laughing with bolder flirting and date invitations.
Maintain Strong Eye Contact
Locking eyes is an undeniably intimate way to signal your interest. When conversing:
- Hold his gaze a few seconds longer than normal before glancing away
- Look up bashfully through your lashes after breaking contact
- Slowly pan your eyes down then back up to meet his eyes again
Getting caught up in extended eye contact is electric. The intimacy makes him want to connect further with the girl who alluringly stares into his soul!
With these tips, you can subtly show him you’re open to escalating things, filling his mind with thoughts of kissing you and asking you out. Before you know it, your crush will gain the confidence to finally make that first move you’ve been dreaming of. Just be patient and continue sprinkling these flirty green lights as he works up the nerve.
How Do You Tell If a Guy Is Too Shy to Make the First Move?
Some signs a guy is shy and you may need to nudge him to take initiative:
- He seems nervous around you stumbling on words
- Makes very brief eye contact then looks away quickly
- Body language is closed off and unwelcoming of touch
- Prefers texting over calls or in-person conversations
- He compliments you often but never asks you out
- Mutual friends confirm he is introverted and bashful
If his demeanor displays anxiety or awkwardness rather than coy flirtiness, he may need an extra confidence boost before pursuing you.
What are Some Flirty Questions to Ask a Guy?
Great flirty questions to ask while getting to know each other:
- Where is your favorite travel destination?
- What do you geek out over?
- If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?
- What are your hobbies outside of work?
- Have you discovered any secret talents during quarantine?
- What is something you’re excited about right now?
Flirty questions allow him to share passions and interests while learning more about each other. Listen closely instead of just waiting for your turn to talk!