Tips on Flirting at a party where you don't know anywhere by Marie Claire

1. Talk to strange girls! One of the best things that has come out of this year of living more flirtatiously has been all the new lady friends I've made--in particular, my talking head buddy Mona , and, more recently, the woman described here . (Plus, sometimes they have cute male friends.)

2. Talk to the gay boys! Because maybe you'll get lucky and meet an invaluable comrade. (Plus, sometimes they have cute straight friends.)

3. Talk to people youbarelyknow. If you have any excuse at all to introduce yourself or say hello to someone--maybe because you recognize them from the local news show, or you've seen them around town--make the most of it.

4. Be upfront about it! Tell people you are on a flirtation mission and ask if they will help you achieve your goal of meeting someone new.

5. Be persistent. Sometimes it takes a while for a party to warm up -- and for you to warm up to a party. Give it a little time. Stick around. Eat some pretzels and drink some free beverages. Switch from one room to the other, and back again.

6. Remember that you'll probably never see any of these people again. So ... I will repeat what seems to be my mantra: What do you have to lose? Put yourself out there! Make the most of it! You may very well discover some wonderful people!