What is the triangle method, the new TikTok trend that helps with flirting

Flirting, as we all know, is an art that not everyone has mastered. Emotionality, fear of rejection, anxiety and the possibility of misunderstanding your partner's signals all come into play. Imagine you are on a first date. You have chatted for a while, you seem to have obvious chemistry and you'd like to move on to the next step. How do you let the other person* know it's time for a kiss without openly making the first move and without saying a single word? According to TikTok, the answer is the triangle method.

If you are now thinking of arithmetic calculations and Euclidean geometry problems, rest assured. The technique that will revolutionise your love life, according to the creators of the Chinese platform, is based on a simple three-part gaze that you use to trace the shape of an inverted triangle. Maintain eye contact with the person in front of you. Start by staring at the left eye, then move your gaze to the lips and finally to the right eye. And voila! Repeat the sequence from time to time during your date and your love interest should know you are interested. Some of the TikTok users who have multiplied the hashtag #trianglemethod to over 25 million views recommend ending with a smile, but either way, the technique seems to guarantee results.

Does it really work? Maybe it does. On the other hand, the method is based on some very simple psychological concepts involving body language and non-verbal communication. Small gestures like twisting your hair with your hands or biting your lips sometimes say more than many words. In addition, the mouth and eyes are part of the area of the face called the "golden triangle" because of the amount of emotion conveyed in this area of the body. Add to that the fact that prolonged eye contact with someone you are romantically interested in triggers the release of chemicals that trigger feelings of well-being, including oxytocin and phenylethylamine, according to science, and TikTok might be right for once. Still not convinced? Then remember that on a date, if you and the other person have chemistry, eye contact will be long and intense. If, on the other hand, there is no interest, you will probably not focus so much on the other person's face and often look away as a sign of disinterest. So why not try the triangle method? If the signal is not picked up on, nothing happens, but if your date understands it, it could be the start of something good.