Small talk is a great way to get started with someone, and will help you to increase your social circle. It is important to become fluent in small talk and it will help to make people feel comfortable around you. If you are good at small talk, it will help you both in your social life and in your career. You will have an image of being friendly and easy to speak to. But unless you have decided that the person is never going to be a romantic partner, eventually it is important to get beyond small talk. Here are a few tips for getting beyond small talk:

Flirting can be done with body language. Sitting a little to close, touching someone’s hand, leaving your eyes in contact just a little too long, making a subtle compliment are all ways of letting people know you are interested in more than just small talk.

In some cultures and societies, it is the man’s role to ask for a date. However, women can easily help to move the process along by dropping hints. In other cultures, there is nothing wrong with a woman being more direct. Offering a phone number or including the person in a group activity are all ways to let someone know that you are interested in them.

One of the best ways of learning to flirt is observe others do it. If you are new to a culture or new to flirting see what works for other people. Try to understand the role of men and women in your society and understand how to take the next step by observing how others flirt. In some cultures people are very open and direct and this may be difficult for you to do. Learn from others, but go at your own pace and style.

For example, in mediterranean countries, men can be VERY direct and women expect it. Many men will say "Ciao Bella" to every women that they see. In other countries, saying "Hello Beautiful" to every women may be seen as too direct, too superficial or even rude. On the otherhand, if the men are not making very direct statements, women in the culture can wonder if there is something wrong with them.

Do not feel like you have to behave as others do. Most people will be understanding that it will take time to adapt to new cultures or new styles. If they are not sensitive to this fact, they may not be the right person for you.

Flirting is a way of letting someone know you are interested in them as more than just a friend. It is natural, but HOW it is done in your culture is best learned with experience and observation.