Flirting isn’t so much about batting eyelashes but about giving a guy good attention and being yourself. Most of all? It’s about confidence! Here are a few tricks that’ll make you feel like you were born with the flirting gene … without going over the top. Because when it comes down to it, less is always more!

Whose Line Is It Anyway?
You know those hokey opening lines? For instance, guy goes up to girl and asks if she’s tired. She says, “No, why?” He says, “’Cause you’ve been running through my mind all day.” Do not go there! A simple “What’s up?” or “Did you see that new Facebook quiz?” will do.

Clean out Your Ears, Dears
So the guy you’re into tells you he’s stoked about his championship soccer game that’s coming up or that he loves a specific band. He’ll totally appreciate it if you remember these little details about his life. Next time you see him, ask about the big game or if he’s heard the band’s new CD.

Complement With a Compliment
You know how great it feels when a guy tells you he likes your smile? Here’s a shock: Guys like to get compliments too. So if his new swim shorts are super rad, let him know! Did he dazzle you with a tricky dive off the board? He’d love to hear that you think his skills are impressive. His ego likes to be stroked, because believe it or not, he needs to know you think he’s great.

Have Some Text Control
OK, so texting comes second nature to you. But when you see your crush in person, the cute banter you had over text is obsolete. Text is great to ask a quick question if it’s too late to call, but save the flirty jokes for face-to-face interaction. Never underestimate the power of good conversation and eye contact.

Let’s Not Play Make-believe
The most important rule of flirting? Never pretend to be someone you’re not. You want a guy who’s a good fit for you, not some “avatar” you’ve created. If you want to make a genuine connection with the right boy, you need to feel comfy in your own skin. Otherwise, he’s not worth your energy. Next!

So you’re into this amazing guy, and he’s ready for you to meet his friends. Except how do you deal if his closest confidant isn’t a guy but is actually -- gasp! -- a girl? Newsflash: Guys and girls can be buds. It’s completely natural to be worried, but let us be the first to tell you there’s no reason to hit the panic button.

Jealousy Will Backfire!
We cannot stress this enough. Would you dare think twice if his bestie were a guy? Of course not! So you must treat her like one of the guys. Sure, it’s a little awkward, but he wouldn’t introduce you to her if they had anything to hide. If you start asking if they’re really “just friends,” you’ll seem insecure and like you don’t trust him. Suspicious behavior will drive a wedge between you two -- not him and his girl best friend!

She’s Your Best Source of Info
Yeah, you might feel like a third wheel at first. They’ve known each other longer, so they have tons of funny stories and inside jokes. However, use her to your advantage. Want to surprise him by cooking dinner? She’ll confirm exactly what foods make him gag. Need a killer birthday gift idea for your guy? She’s your best sounding board -- promise!

She’s a New Friend for You Too
Every couple needs time apart. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. So when he’s off to see Transfomers with the boys and you want to see a chick flick with the girls…invite his girl best friend along! It shows that you support their friendship and are making a real effort to blend your social lives.

He’ll “Get” You More
If anything, knowing your boyfriend has such a close friendship with a girl should put you at ease. It shows he truly respects girls and values their opinions. He’s probably a great listener, excellent advice giver and knows better than to make fun of your obsession with the Jonas Brothers and Gossip Girl! So relax. He’d probably be with her if that’s what he really wanted, but he’s with you -- and that’s what matters!

Ugh. Trying on swimsuits definitely isn’t as fun as trying on shoes, right? Shoes never make you look too fat, too thin, too flat, too whatever…but hey, get over yourself! With the right cut and style, you can love your beautiful bod in a bathing suit.

If the Suit Fits ….
Look for your body type below to find the suit that best, um, suits you!

Bootylicious If you’re fuller in the tush than you are on top, two-piece swimsuits with skirted bottoms are way in this season and are perfect for flattering your best assets. Go for solid colors or pretty patterns -- doesn’t matter what you choose.

Itty bitties To compensate for small breasts, you can always go for a bikini or one-piece suit with padding on top. Otherwise, stick to suits with halter-style tops or those embellished with ruffles.

Roundabout If you have a round shape, your best bet is to invest in some dark, solid-colored tankinis. You could also try one-pieces with large florals in bright colors or busy geometric patterns.

Skinny minnie You’re super thin or have an athletic build? Opt for one-pieces with belts or other detailing that’ll give the illusion of a waistline. If you’d rather wear a bikini, go for one that has a wide band under the bust.

Bustin’ out If you’re full-breasted, be sure to get a suit that has underwire built into the top for support, and lining in the bust for coverage. Also, try to find suits that are solid-colored on top but patterned on the bottom.

Rock it body-confident!
The most important factor when strutting your stuff in a swimsuit is to have self-confidence. This is so much better than being self-conscious. There is nothing more attractive than a girl who looks like she’s totally comfortable in her own skin. So instead of freaking out about every little perceived flaw, make an attitude adjustment. All girls are be-you-tee-ful! Start believing it.

News flash: Video games don’t need to be all karaoke, makeup and mall hopping to appeal to girls. Here are our fave games -- and don’t be surprised if your best guy friend digs ’em, too.

Nancy Drew: Phantom of Venice
A series of thefts have taken place, so Nancy Drew (meaning, you) is on the case. A new culture and skilled thief stand in the way. (PC)

Animal Crossing: Wild World
Customize your town, your house and yourself. The game progresses as you make furry friends and go fishing -- you know, normal stuff. (Nintendo DS)

Cooking Mama: Cook Off
OK, so you can’t actually eat what you cook. But you won’t have to clean up the kitchen. Your remote is the ultimate utensil -- it slices, dices, chops and stirs as you whip up recipes. (Wii)

Flower
Sony has a new concept called “zen gaming.” Instead of gritting your teeth while clutching a controller, the idea is to relax and enjoy -- you are the wind, guiding flower petals at your own sweet pace. (Playstation 3)

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2
Don’t worry, no tricky geo probs here. We just hope you don’t have too much homework, because it is insanely addicting. This version has three new modes. (Xbox LIVE Arcade)

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Hey, drama queen, like your games with an epic storyline and action galore? Save the land of Hyrule by solving puzzles, engaging in intense battles and interacting with characters. (Nintendo GameCube, Wii)

LittleBigPlanet
You’re the boss, so be ready for some decision making! This is a limitless adventure with adorable critters and a funky handcrafted feel. (Playstation 3)

Mario Kart Wii
Who doesn’t like to go fast? Pick a character (we love Princess Peach), select your vehicle and off you go! Race your BFF…or up to 11 people from around the world.

Star Ocean: Second Evolution
This sequel to “First Departure” is kind of like anime in orbit. It’s Space Date 366, and you’re on a mystical planet with the Hero of Light, who’s on a mission. (PSP)

Wii Fit
It’s incredible what you can do on the balance board: strength training, aerobics, yoga (we felt the “tree pose” burn for days). It also calculates body mass index and weight -- and is brutally honest.

Many girls around the world live in towns that have been war-stricken. Lots of girls have been sexually assaulted and some suffer from HIV. Many are not getting an education. Check out these programs that are reaching out to girls. It’s all about the sisterhood!

The Girl Effect This campaign’s message? The world is one big whopping mess. The solution? Girls! The Adolescent Girls Initiative kicked off The Girl Effect by donating millions of dollars to educate girls in developing and post-conflict countries, such as Afghanistan, Nepal, Rwanda and South Sudan. The philosophy is that with training in areas like agriculture, business, public works and health care, girls will turn this world around!

Because I Am a Girl The Plan UK campaign tells it like it is: “Governments are failing girls on a massive scale.” A shocking 2008 report found that one in five countries has used girls as child soldiers, 20 million girls in war zones are not in schools and far too many are at risk of being raped, beaten or abducted. Recently, 20 girls and boys were kidnapped by rebels in eastern Congo. Yes, the facts are brutal.

Being a HERO Twenty-one stellar teens were selected as Youth Ambassadors to take part in Being a HERO 2008, a six-week volunteer effort in Namibia and South Africa, where the YAs are building homes and classrooms for kids in Africa, among other things. It’s part of a United Nations Association Campaign to provide care for children in need.

Girls for a Change This nonprofit org for urban girls just wrapped up a national tour, hitting 25 schools in a monthlong trek across the United States. GFC taught thousands of girls to take action within their communities. “The girls spoke of the killings they’ve witnessed, the gunfire that makes it unsafe to walk out their front door, abuse, global warming, racism and the bailout! These girls are on top of it,” says program director Carrie Ellett.

Dear World Two hundred and seventy-five girls, ages 7 to 17, from across the United States and Canada wrote letters about growing up, then recited them on videotape for the world to see. “Dear World celebrates the passion, imaginative spirit and intelligence of girls,” says a Girls Inc. spokesperson. Your voice counts!