Based on what I have read about flirting, the basic idea behind this concept is being friendly and showing interest in a person.

Since I started reading about flirting, whenever I go out to a restaurant or store, I practice.  Flirting with anyone who is providing you with customer service is good practice because he or she is being paid to talk with you.

And I say he or she because I try to flirt with guys and girls because I like the idea of flirting and being friendly with everyone.  As my friend Valerie says of her time working at a gyro stand, “I found it even more flattering when girls flirted with me than when guys did.”

For example, when I am at a counter, like the other day at Whole Foods, I don’t start by telling the person behind the counter what I want.  I pleasantly say, “Hi.  How are you doing?” showing the other person that I am interested in him or her, not just the service.  I also use similar greetings when I am at a table in a restaurant when the server introduces him or herself.

A week ago in San Antonio, I went to Hollywood Video with my sisters to pick out a movie.  As we walked in, I realized that I left my Hollywood Video card at home, and I wasn’t even sure if I had an account with this location.

I only noticed one person working there, but the store wasn’t busy, so I walked up to the front counter. In this situation about a year ago, I would have probably said as quickly as possible, “I was wondering if ….”

Instead, I started with a “Hi” and gave a smile.  “How are you doing today?”

He smiled back.  “I am doing well.  How are you?”

“Good.”  Of course I held eye contact the entire time.  “So, I have a question.”  Taking a moment to pause, I asked him my question.  He told me he would set up a new account for me, during which we had a short conversation about why I was in San Antonio for the day and what I do in Austin.

When he finished, referring to me by my name, he told me, “Okay, you are all ready to go.”

While that whole discussion could have gone the same way if I hadn’t flirted a little, it game me a good opportunity to practice.  In addition, I have discovered that people are friendlier and want to help you if you are friendly with them.