Let me guess. You matched with someone cute, you've exchanged a few "heyy how's your day" messages, and now... you’re stuck. Welcome to the awkward twilight zone of texting—where your thumbs hover over your phone while your brain screams, "How do I not mess this up?!" You're not alone. And you’re certainly not doomed to eternal singlehood. This post is your ultimate, no-nonsense (but definitely with nonsense) guide on how to flirt over text—especially if you're British, like your humour dry and your spelling full of u’s.
So, grab a cuppa, and let’s get into the art (and sometimes accidental science) of text-based wooing.
Texting gives you time to think, to charm, to use emojis wisely—and to avoid spitting your drink all over someone’s shirt like that one time at Wetherspoons. It’s a brilliant tool, but only if you know how to wield it. Learning how to flirt over text can open the door to deeper connections, more cheeky banter, and yes, actual dates.
First impressions count—even on screen. Your opening message sets the tone. Please, I beg you, don’t send “hey” or worse… “hi.” It’s like turning up to a black-tie event in Crocs. You’ve got to stand out a bit.
Do this instead:
Reference something from their profile: “So, tell me more about this suspiciously photogenic dog of yours…”
Use humour: “On a scale from tea to tequila, how’s your day going?”
These types of openers are more likely to lead to an actual conversation. Bonus: it shows you paid attention to their profile—a massive green flag.
Emojis are the ketchup of the texting world: too much, and it's a mess; too little, and it's bland. Learning how to flirt over text means finding your emoji sweet spot.
๐ Good use: A wink ๐ to hint at flirtation, a cheeky peach ๐ if the vibe is right.
๐ Bad use: Five eggplants and a fire emoji in a row. We’re not making ratatouille.
Pro Tip: If you're unsure, mirror their emoji energy. If they send one smiley, you can too. It creates subtle synchronicity.
You don’t need to reply instantly, but don’t leave them hanging like the last biscuit in the tin either. Play it cool, but not cold.
What works:
Replying within a reasonable time (an hour or two is grand)
Leaving a bit of suspense now and then
Sending a “thinking of you” text if they’ve been quiet for a bit
Avoid the overkill. Nobody wants 10 texts in a row. It screams desperation or a broken keyboard.
Compliments are core to how to flirt over text, but you’ve got to make them personal and genuine. Saying “you’re fit” is fine, but a bit generic.
Better versions:
“I like how passionate you sound when you talk about baking.”
“Your sense of humour is dangerously my type.”
And always match their tone—some people love bold, some love subtle. Gauge it by how they respond.
Playful teasing is the seasoning in the romantic roast. It builds chemistry without being too intense. Brits are especially good at this—it’s in our DNA.
Great examples:
“You like pineapple on pizza? I thought we had something special.”
“I bet you’re the kind of person who claps when the plane lands.”
Just make sure your teasing is light-hearted and never about insecurities or personal stuff.
You’re not applying for a mortgage—this is flirting. Emotional depth is great eventually, but try not to trauma-dump two days in. People need to feel emotionally safe first.
Keep it light with questions like:
“What’s your idea of the perfect lazy Sunday?”
“If we were on a game show, what’s the one topic you’d ace?”
Flirty questions that show interest are much more effective than unloading your childhood fears.
How to flirt over text also means knowing when to push and when to pause. If they’re giving short answers, not asking questions back, or taking days to reply—they might not be into it. And that’s okay.
Mistake to avoid:
Ignoring red flags like one-word replies or a lack of emojis/emotion.
Continuing to flirt when they’re clearly disengaged.
Know when to cut your losses and move on to someone who vibes with your energy.
Let’s break down the flirting fails:
1. Over-texting: Flooding someone’s phone like a Tesco Clubcard notification is a no.
2. Getting sexual too early: It’s not sexy; it’s sleazy. Consent and context matter.
3. Being negative: “Everyone’s fake on here” – congrats, you’ve killed the mood.
4. One-sided conversations: If they’re doing all the legwork, they’ll lose interest fast.
5. Ghosting and zombie-ing: Don't disappear then reappear like a dodgy exorcism. Be respectful.
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How to flirt over text isn’t about following a strict formula. It’s about knowing your style, reading the vibe, and keeping things fun, flirty and respectful. Be cheeky, be curious, be yourself (unless yourself is a spam bot—then maybe don't).
Flirting over text is a skill, and just like making a proper cup of tea, it can absolutely be learned. Practice, don’t overthink it, and most of all—have a laugh.
Now go forth, brave texter, and make someone’s phone light up with a message worth smiling at.
And remember… if all else fails, there's always a dog pun.