One flirting technique almost always works, according to science

There are two types of singles on Valentine's Day...

You might be the one that sits and drowns their sorrows in G&Ts while watching He's Just Not That Into You on repeat, or you might be the type of person to gear yourself up for a night on the town to find yourself a new suitor.

While I'd probably lean towards the former, it's arguably not the best way to find someone new to date.

For those who you are hoping to find someone new, scientists have come up with some tips on how to bag the man or woman you're pursuing.

Some tips depend on one thing - whether you're looking for a fling or a long-term relationship.

Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Bucknell University in Pennsylvania and State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego teamed up to study how almost 1,000 heterosexual college students in Norway and America respond to certain flirting techniques.

They asked them to rate how effective 40 different types of flirting were when looking for a short or longterm relationship depending if the person flirting was male or female.

For a short term thing, apparently showing 'sexual availability' is key.

Janina Steinmetz/Getty

"People consider signals that you’re sexually available to be the most effective for women who are looking for a short-term relationship," Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair, a professor at NTNU’s Department of Psychology, explained.

Meanwhile, for women looking for a more serious situation, they found 'signs of generosity and a willingness to commit' was particularly attractive.

But the strongest flirting weapon for anyone? Humor.

Kennair further explained in a press release: "People think that humour, or being able to make another person laugh, is most effective for men who are looking for a long-term relationship.

"It’s least effective for women who are looking for a one-night stand. But laughing or giggling at the other person’s jokes is an effective flirtation tactic for both sexes."

Klaus Vedfelt/Getty

Rebecca Burch, a co-author from SUNY Oswego, added: "It is not only effective to be funny, but for women it is very important that you show your potential partner that you think they are funny."

For those of who don't find yourself much of a joker, smiling and eye contact will also have you onto a winner.

In the words of The Hunger Games' Effie Trinket, may the odds be ever in your favor.

Topics: News, Life, Science, Sex and Relationships

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

@niamhshackleton