The 'Triangle Method' Flirting Technique That TikTok Swears By

As Ursula says in "The Little Mermaid," "Don't underestimate the importance of body language!" Whether you've read up on what body language attracts people the most, watched Ted Talks on confidence and magnetism, or just remember tips and tricks from your favorite TV shows, it can be difficult to suss out whether someone is interested in you romantically or communicate your own interest without having to spell it out.

On "New Girl," when Nick's feet are pointing toward Jess's and he touches her arm, she suspects that he's into her. But what other ways can we show that we're flirting without reenacting a Kim Kardashian meme — i.e., "I'm dropping hints that I'm single," then saying "I'm single." Thankfully, body language experts and psychologists have plenty of tips for how we can appear open to connection, and there are scientifically proven ways to flirt like a pro. Additionally, TikTok is stepping in to help us secure that coveted first kiss with a special someone. 

Of course, consent is the first and most important rule involved in any romantic interaction. Dating and relationships coach Ben Evans told Bustle, "Before you can escalate from 'friend touching' to 'romantic touching,' you need to ensure your date actually enjoys being touched by you." He added, "If you go for a hug and your date pulls away, you have tried to get too intimate too quickly."

Working on your body language too quickly or intensely may also inhibit an authentic and safe connection. "The moment you focus on body language it means you're being self-centered — you're more concerned with your own inner voice or manipulating the situation to truly connect with your date," Evans explained. So, actively listening to your partner and being open about your experiences is usually the best place to start before you think about getting physical.

It's also best to try out flirting techniques with someone you're comfortable around. TikToker Sophie-Rose Lloyd shared that you should use the triangle method with "someone that you really like and share a mutual interest with." She explained, "It might not necessarily work on strangers or people that you've never spoken to before." The triangle method also doesn't involve physical touch, so it's a solid first step in a romantic direction while maintaining both parties' comfort.

Studies have linked eye contact to arousal. As psychologist and matchmaker Rachel MacLynn shared with Newsweek, "Pupil dilation can demonstrate desirability, which is influenced by oxytocin. The larger the pupil the more appealing and attractive we may find our potential partner." However, it's proven to be equally important for both the sender and receiver to choose to participate in eye contact.

Investigative psychologist and intimacy expert Natasha Ivanovic told Metro, "Making eye contact implies warmth, trustworthiness, and intimate confidence, but we all know too much eye contact can be intense and unnerving." This is supported by research from University College London scientist Alan Johnston and his team, which found that 3.2 seconds of eye contact was too prolonged if there was no implied trust between the sender and receiver.

The triangle's brevity makes it perfect for conveying interest without fixation. Ivanovic explained, "By making eye contact, breaking away from it and then making it again, [it] plays a type of psychological trick that implies intimacy, then vulnerability, and finally confidence in three subtle movements." Additionally, this TikToker recommends ending your triangle with a cheeky smile to draw extra attention to your mouth right after you've looked away from theirs.