Fellas, ever wondered why you always end up sitting at the bar alone sipping your shandy while your mate's on the dancefloor acting like Justin Timberlake with a honey on each arm?

Kids are the best at flirting. They know what they want and how to get it.

Ladies, does it make you mad when you see other girls acting carefree and friendly with new people while you're left feeling flustered and shy?

If the answer is "yes" you need a crash course in flirting!

The good news is that flirting is a skill you can acquire. It's also something that is inherent to us all.

Your flirting powers might be hiding but you only have to look at the way little kids act to see that everyone is born with a natural flirtatiousness

Here's a 10 step guide to help you hone your technique.

Step One:
Be open - greet people with a smile. Show that you're interested in what they're saying. Look them in the face and let your natural enthusiasm shine.

Step two
Just be yourself - no one likes a phoney, it shows straight away if you're being insincere. Fake interest is a sure-fire turn-off.

Step three
Be spontaneous - there's nothing more attractive than spontaneity. We all love being swept off our feet. It's nice to surprise the people we like but even better to keep on surprising ourselves.

Step four
Smile - Smile, smile, smile! Remember it's contagious.

Step five
Eye contact - don't stare, that'd just make you look freaky. Be sure to keep good eye contact though. You can send out laser-beams with your peepers so use them as a weapon.

Step six
Listen - OK you want to impress your flirting partner but don't harp on about yourself ad nauseum. All good conversationalists are great listeners too. Ever wondered why Parkie makes the ladies' swoon? He listens to them.

Step seven
Ask questions - it shows you've been listening and are interested. As you know this is very flattering.

Step eight
The gentle touch - don't overdo it but a light touch at the right moment on the hand, arm or knee is a real turn on. Easy though, no groping!

Step nine
Body language - actions speak louder than words and flirting is often more about what you don't say than what you do say. Use open gestures, be animated - use your hands a lot - and keep your posture relaxed.

Step ten
Confidence - we're all drawn to confident, enigmatic people. Walk tall with your head held high and if your target doesn't respond to your flirting, it's their loss, not yours. Know you're a catch and you'll send that signal to others.