Keep the conversation light and casual; discussing children in third world nations or religion should be reserved for at least the third date.

Be real and don't dish out cheesy pick up lines or phony stories.

Keep your relationship history to a minimum; no need to reveal the cause or causes of your previous break ups.

Be funny and make her or him laugh. This will ease tension and allow you to open up quicker.

Make physical contact but keep it G-rated. A light pat or squeeze of the arm or a pat on the shoulder will suffice. Covering your hand with theirs is also permitted for emphasis in a story.

If you're at a bar or restaurant, offer to buy a drink. This move works on both sexes so ladies get out your wallets!

Tease them a bit. Give them something to wonder a bit about. Don't give out all of your secrets all at once and make them want to know you better.

Be bold; after executing all of these flirting tips flawlessly, it would be a shame not to ask for the phone number.

Bill Preston