22 twistmagazine.com W e know: You have a crush and want to make him your boyfriend! Luckily, scientists have been studying human behavior over thousands of years to help you out! twist rounds up some of their most valuable findings here. Use psycho “If I like someone, they’ll know!” — Peyton Meyer Make sure to thank your crush for the things he does for you, even if it’s something small like picking up the pencil you dropped. In psychology, this is known as reinforce- ment: You’re rewarding him by being responsive to his actions. The more grati- tude you show to him, the more he’ll keep wanting to do for you — it’s a win-win! Don’t just use your words to flirt — use your hands! Yep, psycholo- gists believe that when you touch someone, you make them feel immedi- ately connected to you and put them at ease. It doesn’t even have to be that over the top: Even lightly touching your crush’s elbow will make the sparks fly! Be grateful! Touch his arm! You know how you’re always eager and avail- able to hang out with your crush when he asks? It might be hard, but try turning his offer down a few times and you’ll notice that he’ll start fighting for your attention. Psychologists attribute this to a value system. If you seem busy, then your crush will assume that your time is valuable, placing you on a pedestal. Don’t be too available!
Transcript
22 twistmagazine.com
W e know: You have a crush and want to make him your boyfriend! Luckily, scientists have been studying human behavior over
thousands of years to help you out! twist rounds up some of their most valuable findings here.
Use psychology to go from
“If I like someone,
they’ll know!” — Peyton Meyer
Make sure to thank your crush for the things he does for you, even if it’s something small like picking up the pencil you dropped. In psychology, this is known as reinforce-ment: You’re rewarding him by being responsive to his actions. The more grati-tude you show to him, the more he’ll keep wanting to do for you — it’s a win-win!
Don’t just use your words to flirt — use your hands! Yep, psycholo-gists believe that when you touch someone, you make them feel immedi-ately connected to you and put them at ease. It doesn’t even have to be that over the top: Even lightly touching your crush’s elbow will make the sparks fly!
Be grateful!
Touch his arm!
You know how you’re always eager and avail-able to hang out with your crush when he asks? It might be hard, but try turning his offer down a few times and you’ll notice that he’ll start fighting for your attention. Psychologists attribute this to a value system. If you seem busy, then your crush will assume that your time is valuable, placing you on a pedestal.
Don’t be too available!
twistmagazine.com 23
You won’t be one of the boys with these flirty tips.Use psychology to go from
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Psychologists call this trick the “Benjamin Franklin Effect” since the founding father used it regularly — when you ask someone for a favor, they feel useful and get a boost of confi-dence, all because of you! Those good vibes will be attached to you in his mind forever!
Say his name often!For most people, their own name is the sweetest sound in the world. Say your crush’s name when talking to him!
Bring up the past!Were you guys in the same pre-K class? Bring it up in conversation! Having a shared history makes people feel comfortable.
Be approachable!Here’s one thing to avoid: crossing your arms. It sends the message that you’re closed off and don’t want to engage.
Start a “thing”!Maybe it’s that you walk to gym together or text during Modern Family. Having a “thing” will make him see you as a couple!
Lastly, smile!It really is the oldest trick in the book. A genuine grin proves that you’re having fun with him, which is a confidence boost!
Ask for help!
Study after study shows that if other boys are interested in you, your crush will become more interested. The reason why is simple: When other boys are showering you with attention, it becomes a game of “Who will win her heart?” Since all human beings are wired to want to win (think: survival of the fittest in biology class terms), he’ll naturally step up his flirting game when he’s around you!
