The Triangle Method of flirting doesn't involve triangle-shaped objects such as slices of pizza.
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Looks like people have been pushing on social media the so-called "Triangle Method" for flirting. TikTok videos on the technique have accrued more than 24 million views along with claims that it is a foolproof method for making someone fall for you. Really? And here I was thinking that good conversation and personality were the key.
The Triangle Method is all about your eyes and the other person's eyes and mouth. You are first supposed to look at one of the eyes of that person. Then you quickly shift to looking at that person's mouth, followed by glancing at their other eye. The three body parts form the so-called Golden Triangle. You are now finished with the method.
A key is not lingering too long on any of the three points. Linger too long on the person's mouth, and that person may get a bit self-conscious about maybe having some pizza sauce or Nutella there. Also, don't show an expression of disgust while looking at any of the three points. Disgust is rarely an emotion that you want to elicit while flirting. Finally, don't count in a way that the object of your gaze can hear (or see) while you are triangling.
Does the Triangle Method actually work? Well, I couldn't find any clinical trials on it. I'm not sure what the placebo control might be for such trials. Perhaps staring straight ahead? Or maybe staring at random places on the person's face?
Although there doesn't seem to be any peer-reviewed evidence of its effectiveness, the Triangle Method is based on some reasonable rationale. It facilitates eye contact, which demonstrates interest and enhances connection. That seems natural and, frankly, obvious.
The argument for looking at the mouth is that it may be a lead-in to a kiss. After all, your mouth is what you typically use to kiss, right? If that's not the case, then you are certainly doing it wrong.
Will the Triangle Method be the magical missing piece of your dating puzzle? Will you someday say, "No one was interested in me until I began the Triangle Method. And now dates are beating down on my door."
I don't know. The Triangle Method may work well for those who can naturally incorporate such deliberate moves into their repertoire or who can't remember to maintain a reasonable amount of eye contact.
The so-called "Golden Triangle" is formed by the two eyes and the mouth.
Source: Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels
But for others, remembering and trying to execute this specific routine can make things feel kind of mechanical. It could get kind of weird to have to say to a date, "Hey, could you please look up from the menu for a second? Yes, and can you lower the menu a bit so that I can see your mouth, too? Oh wait, your hand is blocking one of your eyes. Could you move that as well? Wait, wait, your mouth is now blocked again."
Flirting techniques don't really work if the other person is already biased against you in some way or if the two of you are clearly not a match.
The Triangle Method seems more gimmick than game-changer. It seems like a recast of a basic principle: Try to maintain eye contact in a natural and non-creepy manner—and eye contact doesn't mean staring at just one of the person's eyes. Staring at any single body part for too long is not a good idea.
In the end, it's best to be yourself. Act naturally rather than repeating some kind of planned technique. View flirting and dating as ways to get to know an other to see whether you indeed are a fit for each other.
That's a fit in a personality sense, not a geometric type of way.
Facebook image: CandyRetriever/Shutterstock
FAQs
Does It Really Work? While TikTok's Triangle Method has stirred quite the buzz, scientific trials and evidence to back its effectiveness are only few. The idea behind it, however, makes a lot of sense. It facilitates eye contact, which is a fundamental tool for demonstrating interest and building a connection.
How does the triangle method work in flirting? ›
Key points. TikTok videos claim that "The Triangle Method" is a foolproof way to make someone fall for you. It involves quickly looking at one of the person's eyes, then the mouth, then the other eye. It may facilitate eye contact, a demonstration of interest, and motivates lean-in for a kiss.
What is the triangle trick on guys? ›
As you face your date, glance at one of their eyes, look quickly down at their mouth, then back up to their other eye to form a triangle. That's it. This move not only shows that you're enjoying the moment and probably interested in kissing, but it can also make your date feel some type of way.
What is the triangle method for love? ›
"The triangle method, or triangular gazing, is a non-verbal flirting technique that involves moving your gaze from one eye of the person you're attracted to, to the other eye, then down to their mouth and back up again," Deon Black tells The Knot.
What is the triangle method with men? ›
The Triangle Method is all about your eyes and the other person's eyes and mouth. You are first supposed to look at one of the eyes of that person. Then you quickly shift to looking at that person's mouth, followed by glancing at their other eye. The three body parts form the so-called Golden Triangle.
Can a triangle relationship work? ›
You may choose to stay in the love triangle. While unconventional, polyamory may be the option that works best for you, and that is fine. The important thing about remaining in a love triangle is that it's chosen by all three parties - but the same thing is true of two-person relationships as well!
What is the best flirting technique? ›
Playfulness: Flirting often involves light-hearted teasing, jokes, or banter. Playful interactions can help break the ice and create a fun and engaging atmosphere. Authenticity: Flirting should come from a place of sincerity and authenticity.
How does a love triangle work? ›
Using that logic, the term “love triangle” refers to a romantic situation involving more than two people. There are many variations of the love triangle setup, with the most common being when Person A and Person B both love Person C, who must choose between the two.
What is triangular method used for? ›
Triangulation refers to the use of multiple methods or data sources in qualitative research to develop a comprehensive understanding of phenomena (Patton, 1999). Triangulation also has been viewed as a qualitative research strategy to test validity through the convergence of information from different sources.
What is the right triangle method? ›
Solving right triangles
We can use the Pythagorean theorem and properties of sines, cosines, and tangents to solve the triangle, that is, to find unknown parts in terms of known parts. Pythagorean theorem: a2 + b2 = c2. Sines: sin A = a/c, sin B = b/c. Cosines: cos A = b/c, cos B = a/c.
Not only can it show that you're interested in the convo, but that you're interested in kissing the other person, too. Although the Triangle Method isn't scientifically proven, there have been studies that show that maintaining eye contact with someone you like may increase their feelings of affection towards you.
What is the triangle method of kissing? ›
It simply involves:
- Making eye contact with a person.
- Slowly shifting that contact from the left eye…
- To the right eye…
- Then down to their mouth…
- And repeat.
Eye contact makes us feel good and connects us
Prolonged eye contact has been thought to release phenylethylamine, a chemical responsible for feelings of attraction. It has also been thought to release oxytocin, the love chemical most closely associated with longer term bonding and commitment.
Does looking into someone's eyes release oxytocin? ›
When two individuals engage in prolonged eye contact, oxytocin levels rise, fostering a sense of connection and intimacy.
What does looking into someone's left eye do? ›
By looking into someone's left eye, we trigger a natural bonding response in our brains, which can be used to build connections in various aspects of life, whether it's in personal relationships or professional interactions.
What is the psychology love trick? ›
First, look in the person's left eye for 1 second, then switch your gaze to their lips for 1.5 to 2 seconds. Finally, look in their right eye, completing a triangle. She said: "I can guarantee that if done with the right person at the right time they will literally be [stunned]. I've done this with people I've liked.
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