SHORT TAKES : If You Flirt, Don’t Play It Coy

If you want to flirt, don’t be coy, says Marty Westerman, an author who goes by the nickname Dr. Flirt.

In classes for singles and a self-published handbook, “The Flirt Book,” Westerman says the longer you wait to speak or make contact, the more fear of failure and rejection builds up.

“If you see somebody that appeals to you, go right up and talk with them or approach them,” he said Wednesday.

“I’ve talked with so many people who said they waited and the opportunity passed. The woman went and danced with somebody else, or the man was at the party and he left before the woman got the courage up to go and even say hello,” he said.

Westerman’s advice, especially on Valentine’s Day, is to relax and enjoy yourself.

“Don’t take this seriously, it’s an opportunity to have a lot of fun,” he said.