Flirting at a Party

Going to a party where you don’t know many people can be intimidating.  No one wants to stand alone against the wall while everyone else (who already knows all the guests) has a great time.  Well, it doesn’t have to turn out that way.  Parties can be great opportunities to meet new people, turn acquaintances into friends, and flirt (our personal favourite). 

You need to have a good attitude to make a good impression at a party.  If you’re in a bad mood, don’t go.  There’ll be other parties.  Dress well (casual is okay if that’s the sort of party it is) and take the time to do whatever you need to do to look and feel good.  The key is to flatter your build yet feel comfortable.  When you think you look good, so will others. 

If you’re worried about not knowing anyone, bring some friends.  People tend to be more relaxed and comfortable around their friends.  Don’t hide behind them, however.  The goal is to meet some new people, not to maintain the social status quo. 

Once you get to the party, take a few minutes to talk with your friends.  If anyone can introduce you to someone else, let him.  Don’t be afraid to say you’re looking to meet new people.  Introduce yourself if no one else is available.  Talk to people of either gender and of every sexual orientation.  You might not be attracted to them, but they might have good-looking friends they can introduce you to.  Talk to people you barely know.  There may be a spark somewhere you didn’t expect or someone may suddenly remember a single friend is joining her later. 

If you aren’t meeting many people, or conversations aren’t going well, give the party a chance to warm up.  They often don’t hit full swing until after midnight.  As an icebreaker, try helping out the host.  Offer to take photos for people, refill the dip bowl, or top up peoples’ drinks.  You’ll make a good impression and maybe start a few conversations. 

When you decide to go home, force yourself to go around the party one more time and introduce yourself to any new people or anyone you spoke to earlier that gives you a smile or waves you over.  You aren’t allowed to leave until you give it one more shot!

Of course, most of the usual advice for flirting applies.  While you are doing the above, try to catch an attractive person’s eye, smile at her, look away, and then repeat.  If she’s smiling back at you, go up to her and ask a question about the party (“How do you know the host?” or “Are his parties always this wild?”) so that she can indicate whether or not she’s interested in having a conversation with you.  In she is, show interest in her, tease her, make some light physical contact, and you might just get a phone number.  Parties (where you don’t know many people, at least) are one of the best places to flirt, for two reasons.  Firstly, when people go to a party, they’re looking to socialise and will likely be more open to meeting you.  Secondly, you’ll probably never see most of these people again, so don’t not make a move for fear of “striking out.”