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Five health benefits of flirting

Flirting with someone can be a powerful tool to help you feel good, and generate positive energy. As long as you leave the flirting outside the door, you and your partner can reap the extended benefits of all that positive energy generated, in the bedroom. Apparently, flirting has taken on a life of its own and is associated with a bunch of great health benefits, one of which is adding the much needed zing to your sex life!

Builds confidence and self-esteem
If you've been in a relationship long enough, it may happen that the fizz goes off on the passion front. The relaxed contentment of an old relationship may not be doing anything for your self-esteem. A little harmless flirting can help you feel attractive again and confident about yourself. The only thing to keep in mind is setting boundaries. Make sure you and your partner are clear about what's okay when it comes to flirting. One simple rule of thumb: don't say or do anything you wouldn't do in the presence of your partner.

Illustrations: Uttam Ghosh and Dominic Xavier

Ups your sexiness quotient

Flirting is known to build up positive energy, and so long as you use that energy to build your marriage or relationship, you can go right ahead and flirt.

In fact, flirt with your partner too while you're at it. It will help you remember the time to when you were strangers and just getting to know one another. That can be highly stimulating!

The 'feel good' factor

According to Sue Ostler, author of the book Relationships That Rock!, flirting can make you feel good and help reduce stress levels.

In fact, researchers at the University of Washington have concluded that flirting at the workplace helps workers remain happy amidst all the stress, and increases office camaraderie

Strengthens or builds relationships

When you flirt with a stranger and then come home to your spouse, you start to appreciate what you have a little more.

After all, you don't have to go through the entire process that comes after flirting again. And in the words of Gettysburg College Professor of Philosophy Steve Gimbel, "Flirting is to romance what sparring is to boxing."

So, for the single people out there, flirting can help you find the partner of your dreams, which can lead to happiness. And guess what started this chain of events? Flirting!

Keeps you on your toes

People who have been in a relationship for long can start to take each other for granted. Moreover, you might start taking yourself for granted too.

Flirting can provide the spark needed to motivate you to lose some weight, to join a new hobby class, or to change jobs. After all, when you feel good, you start to appreciate yourself a little more!

In a healthy relationship, flirting can only bring the couple closer to one another. Flirt, but within limits.

And those of you seeking to start a new relationship, flirting can be the first step to your courtship process. Just remember to enjoy yourself and the positive energy that comes with flirting.