For once I've met a man who is better at flirting with me than I am with him. I've had enough practice that I didn't think this was possible; shows just how much I know, doesn't it? Somehow he's managed to leave me wanting more rather than the other way around. Perhaps I'm just out of practice, but I don't think so - I could have been a little more subtle, but a lot of guys don't pick up on cues very well, and subtlety will get lost.

Men, if you want to leave a girl feeling fluttery and wanting more, listen up: have an awesome first date, kiss her at the end of it, and don't look back. That last part is key. The men who aren't confident look back, because they want to know if the girl will; just trust me on this, she'll look - you don't need to see it. By not looking, you'll surprise her and get her interested, and soon she won't be able to get you out of her mind. By the way, it also helps if you're a good kisser. If you're not sure about this part, find a good female friend who would help you figure it out. If you ask nicely maybe she'll even give you some pointers.

At first I had him pegged as a man with some experience with women, but not much. He seemed shy, although we chatted a lot, and he didn't seem all that sure of himself. Looking back, though, all the cues were there - he knew how to look at me when we were talking, looking at me often enough to seem interested but not too much. He knew when to steady me as we avoided puddles, even though I didn't need help; he made sure to open doors for me but show that it was natural, something he does out of respect and politeness, something he's done his whole life. He knew how to tease, showing a wit that I hadn't expected. He walked me to my car, and as he walked away, he didn't look back. That was when I figured it out. He's not shy, and he knows women - he's just been playing me like a fiddle. Even though I recognized that, it worked. It worked! On me! I felt like a junior high girl again, confused and fluttery and wondering what the hell had just happened. I felt like an amateur.

Now, I know how to flirt. I'm a decently good-looking girl, not what I would call hot, but attractive, and I know how to use it. A little confidence and a little glance is all that's needed. Once in a while I'll play a game with myself, choosing one guy in my class to get to know, and seeing how long it takes for him to say hi. He always introduces himself within a week or two.

This time, though, I think I'm the game, and he's the one playing. And I kinda like it.