What Is Insinuation?

• When you first meet someone or are trying to wade through the waters to determine if you can take things to the next step, you can use insinuation to feel the situation out and make crafty suggestions. Insinuation introduces ideas, thoughts or actions in a very subtle way. Attorneys use insinuation to suggest someone is guilty rather than accuse them of guilt. The same concept can be used in flirting. Insinuation allows you to say something and wait for a reaction to see if you should pursue it further.
  
  

How to Insinuate When Flirting

• "Flattery will get you everywhere." This cliche phrase embodies the art of insinuation with flirting. By telling someone that they look "beautiful" or "glow" lets them know you are noticing them and are attracted to them. This is much more subtle than saying "I think you're hot."
  Insinuation works best when you are confident but keeping the suggestions light and fun. This way there is no expectation being set. Many people may respond to insinuation with their own subtle remarks, creating a verbal dance that can be fun and invigorating.
  
  

Pay Attention

• Insinuation can reduce the risk of rejection or at least make it less harsh. If you are being subtle and looking for cues, then you are not being overbearing, pushy or too forward. The key here is that you do need to pay attention to what the person does after you make an insinuating comment. Most people appreciate the subtle approach and if not interested will at least be polite about it. If you don't take to the cues, well, you will be perceived as someone just using standard or stock lines to get something.
  If the person likes you, be patient and allow the conversation to take its course. You both might know what the insinuation really meant, but it doesn't mean you need to act immediately. A little flirtatious tension is always a good thing.