Flirting Part 2: A Conscious and Respectful Approach to Connection
How to Flirt with Confidence, Clarity & Consent
Flirting can feel confusing, intimidating, or even risky in today’s dating landscape — especially for adults reentering the dating world after divorce, loss, or long periods of being single.
In our recent virtual gathering, Flirting Part 2, I co-hosted a thoughtful and practical conversation with Dan Narcisse from SOULMATED, focused on how to flirt in a way that feels grounded, respectful, and aligned with who we are now.
Rather than treating flirting as a performance, tactic, or “move,” we reframed it as a learnable social skill rooted in presence, awareness, and mutual consent.
Redefining Flirting for Modern Dating
We acknowledged what many people are quietly carrying:
fear of misreading signals
hesitation shaped by past heartbreak
confusion around what’s “allowed” anymore
and the very real impact of cultural shifts on dating
Flirting, as we discussed, is not about convincing someone to like you. It’s about creating a moment of shared curiosity and connection — without attachment to outcome.
When approached consciously, flirting becomes a low-pressure way to practice being seen, build confidence, and reconnect with your natural relational energy.
The Flirting Formula (Simple, Human, Repeatable)
At the heart of the conversation was a framework designed to reduce awkwardness and restore ease:
Signal + Bridge + Invite + Exit
1. Signal
A clear but grounded expression of interest based on observation.
Examples:
“I like your energy.”
“You have a calm confidence.”
“That was a great point you made.”
2. Bridge
A moment of curiosity that opens conversation.
Examples:
“What’s that been like for you?”
“How did you get into that?”
“What are you enjoying most these days?”
3. Invite
A low-pressure next step that allows choice.
Examples:
“Want to keep chatting for a minute?”
“Would you like to switch to a quick one-on-one?”
“Want to continue this another time?”
4. Exit
A respectful, clean close that removes pressure and preserves dignity — and often intrigue.
Examples we explored and expanded on:
“No worries either way.”
“All good if you’re not feeling it.”
“I’ll let you rejoin the group.”
“I’ve really enjoyed this chat. Thank you.”
“I’m glad we crossed paths tonight.”
“This was lovely — enjoy the rest of your evening.”
A strong exit isn’t rejection — it’s emotional intelligence.
One-line version:
“I like X. Tell me Y. Want to Z. No pressure.”
The Seven Ways Flirting Shows Up
We also explored seven practical, real-life expressions of flirting:
The Three-Second Look – intentional eye contact without intensity
Curiosity Statements – inviting sharing, not interrogating
Neutral Compliments – energy, presence, tone, contribution
Physical Touch – light, respectful, and always reciprocal
Playful Boundaries – humour with self-respect
Energy Matching – meeting someone where they are
The Exit Line – leaving interactions clean and confident
Dan shared what he calls the Control Rule:
If interest isn’t reciprocated, you stop.
If it is reciprocated, you build slowly.
Simple. Mature. Safe.
Hands-On Tools People Loved
Participants especially appreciated the practical tools discussed:
printing mini “connection cards” with your name and number
fun lines like “I’m shooting my shot” or “You interest me”
Dan’s SOULMATED conversation cards for easy, organic starters
wearable signals like my “Single” button
and upcoming products I’m developing under Single & Searching
These tools remove pressure and make flirting lighter, clearer, and more human.
Flirting Is a Skill — Not a Pass/Fail Test
A key takeaway from the night:
Flirting improves through practice, not perfection.
Not every interaction leads somewhere — and that’s okay. Each attempt builds awareness, courage, and clarity.
I encouraged everyone, especially those dating again after heartbreak, to be gentle with themselves. Flirting isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about showing up honestly, staying present, and allowing connection to unfold — or not — with grace.
Thank you to everyone who participated so openly and made this such a meaningful conversation. This is what conscious connection looks like in real time.