The rise of Power Flirting

Once flirting was simply a playful way of arousing interest in the opposite sex. A coquettish glance, a fluttering eyelash, a tinkling laugh --nothing too complicated - and all designed to spice up an evening out.

Not any more. Now you have the 'six second eye lock' or the 'hand-shake from heaven', according to Cosmopolitan magazine. And if the techniques are more elaborate, then the results are worth it, it claims.

This is because Power Flirting can be used to get everything the modern woman could possibly want, whether it be a new romance, a better job, or simply faster service in the greengrocer's.

And teaching the technique is fast becoming a multi-million pound business. In the self-help heaven of the U.S., a stream of books, videos, and Internet sites are currently promoting guides on the subject.

American therapist Susan Rabin, who has written three books on flirting, told Cosmopolitan that Power Flirting could be used to get on at work or impress friends as well as attract men.

She said: 'The Power Flirt is genuinely charming, which is why she has so many friends and even more often gets the results she's after.'

Ginie Sayles, who has made videos on the subject and wrote How to Meet the Rich, said Power Flirting was a way of helping to boost confidence.

She said: 'It's a lot more subtle than the flirting we see on an everyday basis.' According to the magazine, the five top Power Flirt techniques for women (though nothing says men cannot use their own versions) are:

The Handshake From Heaven: An extended version to be used at office parties. Squeeze his hand gently with both your hands, quickly running your left hand up his wrist and back down again to the double clasp.

Six second eye lock:A quick glance is not enough. Make eye contact and keep it for three to six seconds. If he doesn't maintain contact then he's not available.

Prop it up: Draw attention to yourself with a flashy ring, unusual tattoo or wacky T-shirt. To be used both at dinner parties and the first day of new job.

Interested? Moi?: If a man is being pursued by every woman play it cool. But speak to everyone near him to get close.

Flirting talk: A joke or a comment, like 'nice shoes', still works as an ice-breaker. Even that old trick of dropping business papers will get a man's attention and perhaps assistance.

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