Saturday 23 April 2011

Online dating is changing how we flirt



Since online dating sites first appeared in 1995, they have grown to have more than 5 million
users in the UK. Tim Muffett has been finding out if romance can still flourish away from our
computer screens and keyboards, in a more traditional way.
Reporter: So internet dating might have transformed the way many people look for love and
become socially acceptable, but some feel there's one activity an online profile or a
newspaper ad can never replicate: good, old-fashioned, flirting.
Jean Smith is an American anthropologist and flirting coach. Kelly is single. She has tried
online dating, but feels her one-to-one flirting skills need improving.
Kelly: Excuse me... hi there.
Man: I don't have time, sorry.
Kelly: OK, thank you.
You still have to flirt online, but via the medium of writing and that's completely different
from trying to strike up a conversation with somebody, in person.
Reporter: This exercise involves chatting to strangers.
Jean Smith: When we first start doing this, you're going to feel a bit awkward, a bit
uncomfortable.
Kelly: A bit silly.
Jean Smith: Part of flirting is having the confidence of letting someone know that you're
interested. And British people, in my experience, are way too hesitant and so both people
leave and think… oh God, I wish I would have said something.
Why don't you ask him can he recommend a good restaurant around here?




Vocabulary and definitions
socially acceptable-seen as approved of by other people
an online profile -a personal description published on the internet
replicate- imitate or make happen in a similar way
flirting -talking and behaving in a way that makes someone think
you are sexually attracted to them
anthropologist- researcher who studies people, society and culture
single- not married, not currently in a romantic relationship
medium- means used to communicate
strike up a conversation-start to talk (to someone)
chance encounter -meeting between two people which is not arranged
seize the day -take advantage of the situation or take action

COURTESY:BBC

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