I actually never learned how to flirt. I was recently diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome. One of the characteristics of this disorder is an inability to read body language, subtle facial expressions and communication via eye contact. Such abilities are probably crucial to flirting.
Part of my training as a young army officer was a very stern lecture on sexual harassment and it’s career consequences. Looking back at this now, I see that my inability to distinguish between flirting and sexual harassment led me to adopt a style of chilly formality towards women, especially in the workplace.
My only flirting experience was with my wife; I always the recipient, didn’t understand it, and Meghan was perceptive enough to realize that I was not responding because I didn’t understand. I learned a bit about nonverbal communication and she learned to be more explicit in her communication. This frankness and openness, IMHO, contributed to the strong bond between us.
I still don’t really know how to do it: at this point I really have no desire to learn