Flirting on Twitter

There are so many possibilities for online dating nowadays - and the newest of the web-based dating services (for that's what it is) is Twitter.

Twitter users will already know that flirting - or 'twirting' - is rife on the site, but it comes with its own unique challenges. Unlike the internet dating services, you don't have pages and pages with which to chatter on about your best assets: you have 140 characters. So how do you go about achieving dating success within such narrow parameters?

It's all about simplicity. Keep it light-hearted and fun - you've got to capture their interest in a second.

Tell a joke. This comes with the double wammy of using humour (always a sexy dating tool) and posing a question - which means you're luring someone into carrying on the flirtation.

Be complimentary, but make it sincere. If the object of your affections has posted a pic of themselves, tell them you like their smile - but make it sincere. Anyone who's spent any time on online dating sites will be able to sniff out phoniness immediately.

Ooze confidence, but not arrogance. People are drawn towards optimism, so put out the message that you're upbeat about life.

Try not to be overtly sexual. Remember that if you're twirting, other people may be following your conversation and you may be putting the other person in an awkard situation - which could sound the death-knell for possible dating opportunites. And anyway, flirting doesn't have to be sexual - well, not always.

Try  some practice tweets - just like writing a personals ad, getting across what you want to say in 140 characters is a real art form. Before you decide to start twirting, engage with the Twitter community by slotting into other conversations. You'll soon get the hang of it, and pick up the lingo.

Remember that Twitter is a public forum, so if you're sending any personal info such as your phone number, make sure you select 'direct message', otherwise you'll be broadcasting it to the world.

Twitter is a great addition to the online dating services; but just because it's light-hearted don't think the usual safety rules don't apply. Think twice before giving out personal details, and if you do arrange a date make sure it's in a public place and a friend knows where you are.

HAPPY TWIRTING!