I was out with some single friends the other night and we landed in a lively conversation about how flirting is not only fun but also a fundamental part of finding new love.  

We agreed that there are tons of tips on how to flirt  — make eye contact for two seconds, dress for the occasion, use a brief touch on the arm — but there's very little advice on who to flirt with. 

I give my clients one important piece of advice when picking who to focus flirtatious attention on and it's this — flirt with someone of similar attractiveness.

Why? Because research tells us that most successful relationships are between partners of more or less equal charisma, charm, and attractiveness.

There is some leeway, of course, and other qualities are also important, but statistically, relationships in which one partner is much more attractive than the other tend to be less successful.

This will also give you the best chance at compatibility, which is a must if a new relationship is to endure. 

RELATED: 14 Easy Tips For Flirting Your Way Into A Conversation With Any Man

Here's how to flirt in a way that will attract him to you instantly:

1. Remember: Attractiveness is not just about good looks or someone’s physical features

Attractiveness is also about one’s attitude and energy, influenced by personality and experiences. Some attitudes are positive and productive, others are negative and unproductive. 

Here are a few examples of positive attitudes that can support you in looking for people of similar attractiveness to flirt with: 

• "I focus on connecting. A partner is someone to love, not an object or a goal."
• "I take responsibility for my outcomes by taking initiative in my life and relationships."
• "I strive to take the necessary risks, overcome my fears, and stretch my comfort level to reach my goals."

RELATED: 5 Things That Make You Super-Attractive — That Have Nothing To Do With Looks

2. Avoid 'the attraction trap'

You interpret a strong physical attraction to someone as a sure sign that the relationship is a good choice and "meant to be." This happens when our intention to flirt turns into instant infatuation and our choices become unconscious and result in repeating unproductive past patterns. 

Your attraction to someone is like a radar system that helps you find your target, but the attraction trap occurs when you mindlessly, blindly follow this radar. You are then no longer flirting for fun, you've slipped into the zone of infatuation. 

There is nothing wrong with infatuation. However, in the process of finding new love, it can cause you to lose yourself or compromise your goals and values.

Infatuation can sabotage the chance for that flirtatious connection to turn into a long-term relationship.

RELATED: 13 Magnetic Qualities That Make A Woman Irresistible To A Man

3. Don't fall into the mindset that there's only a limited supply of equally attractive partners

If you adopt the "I need to take what I can get" mindset, you're tempted to settle for less right away because you believe you can’t get what you really want. Flirting is fun and fundamental to dating, but it is not a numbers game.

When you expect less, you get less. 

Trust that if you apply yourself, you can get what you really want in your love life. Happiness is absolutely available to you but must go after what you really want in life and choose to flirt with people of similar attractiveness as you.

RELATED: 4 Fascinating Reasons You're Attracted To Who You're Attracted To

What might go wrong when people practice this advice?

Well, you won’t get it right every time and you'll most likely end up attracting some duds who you initially thought had greater potential. But don’t worry, this is part of the dating process.

Use your feelings of attraction as information. The chemistry must exist; you can't just get together with someone you're not attracted to. But please remember that flirting based solely on physical attraction often results in repeating unproductive past patterns and failed relationships. 

I invite you to stop and ask yourself, "Why am I attracted to this person?"

Continue to put yourself out there with the intention to find new love through flirting with someone of similar attractiveness. Doing so actually increases your chances of finding compatibility.  

RELATED: The Strange Thing That Makes You More Attractive On A First Date

Teena Evert is a licensed marriage and family therapist and love relationship coach helping proactive, savvy women design the life they want and find the love they deserve.