Flirting style (Hall)
The five ways people signal romantic interest, from communication researcher Jeffrey Hall's Flirting Styles Inventory: physical, traditional, sincere, playful and polite. Most people blend several, with one or two that feel most natural.
Based on the Flirting Styles Inventory developed by communication researcher Jeffrey Hall and colleagues (2010), which identified five distinct ways people signal romantic interest. The styles were drawn from survey data and have been studied for how they shape courtship and first impressions. Most people blend several styles, with one or two that feel most natural — offered here as a reflective self-portrait, with none better than another. (Flirting Styles Inventory (Hall, Carter, Cody & Albright, 2010))
Groups
- Physical — You show interest through body language and a warm, expressive presence — comfortable letting attraction show.
- Traditional — You prefer courtship to unfold along classic lines, often letting the other person make the first move.
- Sincere — You flirt by building a genuine emotional connection — real interest, attention, and care.
- Playful — You flirt for fun and banter — teasing and lighthearted, whether or not it is going somewhere.
- Polite — You take a careful, courteous approach — good manners first, letting interest grow slowly and respectfully.
References
- Hall, J. A., Carter, S., Cody, M. J., & Albright, J. M. (2010). Individual Differences in the Communication of Romantic Interest: Development of the Flirting Styles Inventory. Communication Quarterly, 58(4), 365-393
- Hall, J. A., & Xing, C. (2015). The Verbal and Nonverbal Correlates of the Five Flirting Styles. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 39(1), 41-68
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