Flirting at the Mall

The mall can be a great place to flirt.  The different stores attract a wide demographic that should allow you to meet the sort of person you’re looking for.  Before you even get to the mall, however, there are two important things to keep in mind.  Figure out where different malls are and take care of yourself.  You don’t want to go to the same mall more than once a month (when flirting is your objective, at least).  Otherwise, staff and regular shoppers will notice that you’re always around trying to flirt with people, and that is an excellent way to earn yourself a reputation as a desperate creep. 

Secondly, remember to shower, wash your face, and brush your teeth.  Wear something comfortable that you know makes you look great.  When you feel confident, it shows, and other people are more likely to perceive you as attractive.

Bring a book. Pick something considered to be a classic as it will make you look more intelligent and increase your chances of people having read it or something by the same author, or of wanting to read it.  Some of the advice below is specific to either men or women.  These are just general rules, so feel free to try to instructions for the opposite sex.  They might just work for you. 

As soon as you’re at the mall, make a small purchase and carry the bag around with you.  Not only will it make you look like you aren’t just there to try to chat people up, it can give you something to talk about (so don’t pick anything embarrassing!).  If there’s a book, movie, or CD you’ve been waiting to buy, now might be the time to do it as it opens the door t discuss the other person’s taste in entertainment and for you to explain why the band, author, or movie is great.

Next, start exploring.  If there’s a store you’re interested in, try saving it for later.  You don’t want to keep going back to the same stores and you’ll likely be a bit nervous at first.  It’s best to work out the jitters before you hit up the spots where you think the most interesting people will be.  Start “shopping” and keep an eye out for someone attractive.

Gentlemen, women often shop in packs, so you need to be prepared to approach entire groups of girls.  When you see one you like, make eye contact, smile, and if she smiles back, go say hello to her (and possibly all of her friends).  There should be no more than five seconds between your eye contact and your approach, or else you might seem like one of those creeps who like to stare.  Don’t focus your attention on the girl you spotted, yet.  Ask the girls a question about the store or the mall, and if they answer enthusiastically, you’re set to start flirting.  If you don’t seem at all excited, smile, thank them, and say goodbye.  Don’t try to change their minds.

 Ladies, once you spotted a guy you’d like to talk to, make eye contact with him, smile, and then look away.  If he looks your way, repeat and giggle.  If you have friends nearby, whisper to them and he’ll likely think it’s about him.  Move away from your friends for a minute or two and maybe he’ll come say hi.  If he doesn’t, but he’s been smiling, it’s up to you.  Ask him a question to gauge his interest in speaking to you.

Now it’s time to make some friendly conversation.  If she’s carrying a bag for a store you like, compliment her taste.  If she shows you her purchases, make sure to show your appreciation.  Recommend stores that have similar styles or items she might like, and don’t be afraid to ask for her recommendations as well.  Do some light teasing and don’t linger.  Less is more when it comes to malls.  If things are going well, ask for her number. 

If you don’t feel the timing’s right, say that you’re going to the food court and you hope to see them around.  They will either go as well, or say their goodbyes.  If they come, don’t sit with them unless expressly invited to do so.  Instead, grab a drink or small snack and read your book.  Sit far enough away from them that you can’t easily hear their conversation and don’t face them if you can help it.  The book hints that you’re smart and sitting alone says that you have high self-esteem and don’t need to keep anyone else around to feel comfortable.  Should one of them approach you, the book can serve as a conversation starter.  If they get up to leave without saying goodbye, look up, smile and wave at the person you liked best, and then go back to your reading.  If she comes over, ask for her number.  What do you have to lose?  You’ll probably never see her again and none of your friends are here to witness the outcome.  If you get the number, great!  If not, get back to your shopping.  Just keep the following in mind: don’t hind behind things to get a better look at someone without being seen and don’t follow anyone.  Otherwise, you may find your adventure ended prematurely by mall security.