Have you ever spent hours analysing and dissecting a email from someone you fancy? Or then spent a similar amount of time trying to work out a reply that is witty-but-not-too-OTT/desperate/rude/inappropriate (delete as applicable). Discover the essential do's and don'ts of how to flirt (and still look cool) in cyberspace

1. Think about your responses. Tone of voice and sarcasm for example are often misread and can lead to awkward misunderstandings.

2. You don't ALWAYS have to meet your flirting partner, it is possible to have a 'flirtationship' that doesn't actually lead anywhere.

3. Keep it simple, short and amusing with the odd compliment thrown in!

4. Don't be too over familiar ie putting kisses after your message can come across as rather insincere. A kiss after a text or email should be saved for someone you know.

5. Never be overtly sexual via text/email if you haven't met yet. It can often culminate into a big anti-climax when you do finally meet and there is nothing else to explore.

6. Play hard to text - don't respond immediately. The old mantra 'treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen' applies to cyber 'flirting too but don't leave it too long - more than a day is just rude.

7. Timing - this is crucial if you want to make the right impression. Try not to send drunken texts that you will regret in the morning!

8. Avoid complex messages and acronyms like IWTKYBAO (I want to kiss your body all over), it's highly unlikely they'll know what you mean!

9. Always be yourself and be honest. An act is hard to keep up and you don't want someone to fall for the person you are pretending to be!

10. Have fun and don't take things too seriously. Flirting is all about having fun!

Flirtomatic, a new flirting service, could be just what you need, allowing you to brush up on those cyberflirting skills. By registering with Flirtomatic, you can flirt with other members on their mobile phones or on the web - so wherever you are, and whether you're looking for love or just a laugh, you can flirt to your heart's content. Flirtomatic is free (except for usual operator data charges for mobile phone use) so get out there and start flirting - simply text FLIRT to 87148 or check out www.flirtomatic.com

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