It is reasonable to suggest that all human relations last more than five seconds - no, the flirting might begin sooner than that. The problem is that men and women don’t always understand flirting. Some master the art, but most are rank amateurs.

Flirting often begins as soon as the first measures are taken. For men, the measures are simple: is she attractive, smart, or both? Actually, many men stop at the first concern, assuming that if a woman is too smart she might have the good sense to run. Men assume physical attributes are enough. Not only is this how men measure women, but they tend to measure each other in terms of physical ideals.

Male flirting is basic. First, you look and see if the woman either lets you notice her. Some women fail to see the importance of this. If you allow a male to admire you, he assumes you are interested. Ignoring male glances leads to the perception you like the attention. Actually, even if you like the attention, make him stop anyway. If you like the guy and he persists, you know he is serious. If you do not like him, you can safely use a witty insult and move along.

Next, males proceed to the accidental or friendly touch. Flirting methods, which follow the touch, include lowering the voice and waxing poetic. Waxing poetic, as most males view poetry, results in the infamous “pick-up lines” we all know too well. The final step in flirting is offering to pay for things. This allows the man to demonstrate he is capable of caring for the female.

Female flirting is much more subtle and effective than male flirting. Women begin flirting by preparing their attire and physical presence. The idea is to expose flesh, but not too much. Once caught in the act of looking, a woman will either give a man “the look” to cease and desist, or glance away with an “embarrassed” grin in acceptance of your compliment. The next step is to ask the man for some kind of assistance. Finally, from the woman, comes praise. Women praise men much like men praise their pets. We know pets will do anything for a kind word (in the case of men, an ego boost) - and men will, too.

I know the species must continue, or at least that’s what we are biologically wired to think. Still, the dating that follows requires the mastery of far too many rules – navigating the treacherous waters of "politically correct" flirting in the modern world is, to put it simply, an art. Flirt at your own risk!

By Rihaab Mowlana