Flirting is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned. Here are some surefire tips to getting that guy or girl interested, and keeping them that way.

The key to successful flirting is learning to walk that fine line between friendliness and affection, between casual interest and real feeling. The good news is that flirting is not about having the face of Angelina Jolie or the body of a Playboy Centerfold. Everyone knows a Plain Jane who has dozens of admirers. Flirting is not about being a Perfect 10 – it's about human connection, and making others feel attractive and valuable. And the best part?  Anyone can do it.

Touching Works When Flirting

When it comes to flirting, touch is key. A quick touch on the wrist or a pat on the back makes a person feel special, and that is what flirting is all about. Of course, too much touch, and the other person is liable to feel uncomfortable. The key is to keep it casual, and to make it feel spontaneous (even when it isn't).

Be Happy to Attract People

People are attracted to people who are happy. It really is that simple. The pouty little princess may get the guy in the movies, but in real life pouting is not mysterious or interesting ... it's just boring. For those who were not born oozing charisma, being happy (and showing it) is the next best thing to get others to stand up and take notice. A genuine smile exerts its own gravitational force and is almost impossible tor resist.

Looking Good

The good news is, everyone has her own style, and her own version of her best self. Looking good is about looking natural, looking comfortable, and finding a personal style that fits just right.

For some that might be jeans and t-shirts, for others it might be mini-skirts and heels. The goal is to be comfortable with the end result, and to be one of those people who inspire others to look in the mirror and think, "I wonder what I would look like with short hair...(or a nose ring, or those sweet Jimmy Shoo heels)." True style means looking within, and interpreting that for the world.

Give Attention, Compliments and Time When Meeting People

Give attention, give compliments, give time. Give, give, give! Do not go into social situations thinking about receiving attention; go into social situations thinking of ways to give attention. It makes a world of difference. The reality is, flirting is less about being the life of the party, and more about making others feel like the life of the party. So ask questions, listen, be attentive. Make others comfortable, and become unforgettable in the process.

Laugh

Laughter is contagious in the best possible way. Having a sense of humor is about relaxing and being in the moment – it is not about being cruel or catty telling jokes at another person's expense. A girl can always poke fun at herself (though it is wise to remember there is a fine line between complaining about those jiggly thighs and sounding like a basket case with low self-esteem). But remember to laugh loud and often. At the very least, it guarantees a good time.

Eye Contact

Look him in the eye. Stretch the moment out a half-second longer than is strictly comfortable. Don't overdo it, or it starts to make the other person feel like he has salad in his teeth. But do not underestimate the power of eye contact – if done with a sense of subtlety and timing, it is a very powerful way to flirt.

Practice Makes Perfect

There is nothing wrong with flirting – flirting is about putting people at ease and making them feel special. So flirt with the guy at the video store. Flirt with that cute barista at Starbucks. Of course, be careful when flirting. For some people a smile is all the encouragement they need to fall head over heels in love. So test out the waters a little first, and don't flirt with anyone who seems too vulnerable or needy. That said, flirting is about spreading good feelings – so get out there and do it!