Psychologists have found that one flirting technique works ‘almost every time’ for men and women

A group of psychologists have conducted a study into one of life's greatest mysteries - how to flirt successfully.

It's something that nearly all of us will have done in our lives, whether in your awkward, teenage years at school, the drunken days at university or on the plethora of dates most go on in your 20s.

Considering even one of the world's most famous men, Ben Affleck, has opened up just how difficult being single and flirting can be, it is perhaps even harder for your average Joes and Joannes.

While most flirting is done over dating apps like Tinder and Hinge these days, there are folks who still have the cojones to go and talk to someone in a public setting, and it turns out that using one particular technique might be more successful than the rest.

As one woman who managed to 'rizz up' (I think that is what the kids are calling it these days) Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert with a particularly good chat-up line will tell you, the key to someone's heart is making them laugh.

But if you're more interested in a one-night stand than a long-term relationship, the research study also found that its vital to engage in consensual physical touch once you know the vibes are right with the person you are chatting with.

Flirting is often made easier with a little Dutch courage (Getty Stock)

The study, from psychologists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, looked into heterosexual students from colleges in Norway and the US, so it must be noted that the older generations might go about it a different way, perhaps over a game of bridge.

"The tactics that were judged most effective for women for a one-night stand were exclusively sexual or physical," the team wrote in the study. "In contrast, men were judged more effective if they, in addition to physical and sexual tactics, also smiled, showed interest in conversations, gave compliments, and made her laugh."

Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair, professor of psychology, added: "People consider signals that you’re sexually available to be the most effective for women who are looking for a short-term relationship. Friendly contact such as hugging or a friendly kiss on the cheek isn't enough in those situations, and so women who want a quick fling are better off using cues that highlight sexual availability, such as rubbing against potential partners, moving closer, and making body contact.

Laughter is the key to winning someone's heart (Getty Stock)

However, it was simply being funny that the researchers found to be the most universally successful, because asking someone you're interested in if they're from Tennessee (you know the line) is actually a sure-fire way to win their heart.

The paper added: "People think that humour, or being able to make another person laugh, is most effective for men who are looking for a long-term relationship. It’s least effective for women who are looking for a one-night stand. But laughing or giggling at the other person’s jokes is an effective flirtation tactic for both sexes,” Kennair said in the statement.

This held true across US and Norway participants in the study.

“It is not only effective to be funny," Rebecca Burch, a co-author from SUNY Oswego, US, added, "but for women it is very important that you show your potential partner that you think they are funny."