My mother wishes me to find a suitable match, but I cannot flirt. Help!
-From In Her First Season
Oh, my dear, do not despair. Flirting is an art, and must be carefully cultivated and practiced, even by those who are prodigies. Some of us are never quite adept, but we have other qualities to compensate. Are you well-read, an excellent musician, interested in art or philosophy? You can find others who share your interests and converse with them. Soon you will be so engrossed in your discussion that all awkwardness will be forgotten. Or contrive to dance every dance—then you will be much too active to need to flirt. A sweet smile as you skip down the line will suffice. Some dear friends of mine, Mr. and Mrs. Lindley, were rather worried about Mr. Lindley’s younger sister Christina. Christina Lindley is very fond (excessively fond, some would say) of botany, and does not care for flirting. But she has found friends who share her own interests, and I’m sure you will, as well. (Lady Midnight, 2005)
-Lady Cordelia