Spring gives you wings. Never before have there been so many butterflies fluttering. So why not let some of them land in your belly? After the long, dreary winter months, a little thrill would only be fair!

Mother Nature sees it the same way. And, starting in March, she melts the snow and our hearts alike. At least, that’s what science has long claimed. And that’s how many people feel.

Some modern researchers, however, say the opposite . For them, spring fever is a thing of the past. How unromantic! We think spring is a wonderful opportunity for flirting.

Here are the best tips for a successful spring romance and the scientific truth about tingling spring feelings. 

Flirting in spring: Hormones are to blame

Those experts who declare spring to be the bringer of love base their theory on the supposed tricks of nature. According to them, falling in love is – pragmatically speaking – a simple chemical reaction triggered by an intoxicating cocktail of hormones.

However, these hormones, such as serotonin and melatonin, require a certain frequency and amount of daylight to become active in the body. During the darkness of winter, they aren’t ready for a frenzy of joy. Only when they are teased out by the sun again, starting around mid-March, do we become more agile, more alert, and—let’s call it what it is—more lustful.

Serotonin & Melatonin: Why these hormones make you so happy

Serotonin and melatonin are hormones in our body, messenger substances that control and influence bodily functions and processes. Melatonin is a kind of product of serotonin; it is actually produced by serotonin in the first place. The interaction of these two hormones primarily regulates our sleep-wake cycle – and thus indirectly also how “awake” we feel, i.e., how agile and resilient we are. The more active we are, the better we feel. Melatonin is released primarily in the dark and makes us feel tired. Serotonin, on the other hand, is released when we are exposed to light. So the more you expose yourself to natural light from the sun (e.g. by taking walks – even in winter), the more of the wake-up hormone serotonin you can absorb. 

Spring fever no longer exists

So, spring fever is a sun-soaked love and mood booster, without a prescription, but with a certain appeal. It sounds tempting, but it’s pure nonsense. At least, that’s what the scientific counter-opinion claims. According to them, spring fever is simply outdated. Their argument is as hopeless as it is theoretical. They say: The joy of spring has long been sacrificed to progress. There are simply no more light-induced, noticeable hormonal rollercoaster rides today, since the abundance and brightness of artificial lamplight is sufficient to keep our hormone curves constantly on an emotionless straight line.

With the invention of the light switch, we’ve essentially turned off our springtime flicker of love. It’s our own fault. Only indigenous peoples, who can’t control their heat and light, can still enjoy the joys of spring.

7 tips for hot spring flirts

So our society is too modern for flirting. Maybe so. Admittedly, it sounds somewhat logical, but that doesn’t make it joyful. Fortunately, it’s only a theory and not a fact. It says: We may have tamed the light and invented the wheel, but fortunately, we still can’t control the effect of certain curves. So if sunlight alone no longer arouses passion, then let your body do it for you.

Show yourselves

It’s time for spring fashion, airy dresses, skirts, and bare shoulders. The skin also appreciates the looser layers. After long months under thick layers of wool and without contact with air or sun, the cells can literally breathe a sigh of relief.

Short shorts or not – remember that the allure of the hidden fuels the imagination. So, you don’t have to show off everything right away. But what you do show deserves some special care beforehand. Beautiful feet, your favorite nail polish on your nails, and a bit of bronzing powder on your shoulders – self-care not only improves your skin, but also boosts your self-confidence. Because if you treat yourself with love and care, you automatically look and feel that way.

Radiate your body awareness

If you’re not in the mood for skin-tight skirts or shorts, that’s okay. Attractiveness isn’t necessarily just about body-hugging clothes, but also about charisma. Experienced women often seem more attractive to men than very young ones. The reason: They’ve learned to love their bodies, regardless of their shape, and they know what they want. People who consider themselves desirable treat their bodies differently. They touch themselves more often, stroke their hair, and subconsciously attract attention.

Get in the mood to flirt

The way to a person’s heart is not only through the stomach, but also through the nose. Scents travel directly through the nose to the limbic system, the region of the brain responsible for emotions and memories. So, when we smell something sensual, we feel that way, too. The scent of love is particularly evoked by scents of roses, jasmine, or lily of the valley .

Inviting looks

The most important tool in flirting is your eyes. They are both a lure and a means of communication. If you’ve spotted an attractive flirt, your gaze can show it. And with a quick smile, that says it all for now.

The language of the body

The goal of successful flirting is to establish contact without words. This works with your eyes and body language. Turn toward your flirting partner and show your best side. If the situation allows, you can even touch your beloved lightly and seemingly casually. 

The first contact

If your eyes and body send clear signals, the other person will often take over and approach you. But don’t be discouraged if this isn’t the case. And of course, you can also summon the courage to stand up and break the ice with a friendly “Hello.” Whether this leads to a flirtation or simply a pleasant conversation – the main thing is that you have a good time.

More on the topic

Small talk tips

First, the good news: Flirting is less about what you say, but how you say it. Time for deeper conversations comes later. When you first meet, chat about whatever the situation offers: the location or party you’re at, your mutual friends, or simply make a joke. Lightness and a smile are the most important things when flirting anyway. So let your charm shine and let your eyes and body language do the talking—the rest will take care of itself.