Are you single? Try the triangle method.

Look into someone's right eye. Yes, just their right. Now their left. Now at their lips.

Congratulations, you've just tried "the triangle method," a flirting ritual you might've seen on TikTok or otherwise been doing yourself without realizing.

While flirting can be fun – and there's nothing wrong with trying to communicate your desires – be careful not to "hack" your way into seducing someone, either, dating experts say. Being yourself is likely the best way to win someone over.

"Many life hacks promise the ability to shortcut human behavior," says Kimberly Vered Shashoua, licensed clinical social worker. "People are often more complicated than these hacks imply."

'You have to risk to get any reward'

There's no sugar-coating the truth: Dating is messy, and everyone shows up with their own baggage. "Even if we taken time to heal, we're still wounded and bruised from what we've gone through before and from not measuring up to society," says Zakiya M. Knighten, relationship strategist.

Someone may easily feel like their flirting game in particular isn't measuring up. All the more reason to try the triangle method as a means of shaking up the norm.

"I find that sometimes people are afraid of trying new flirting techniques because they don't want to look like they're trying too hard or they don't want to get shot down but you have to risk to get any reward – and this is also true in dating," says Damona Hoffman, host of The Dates & Mates Podcast. "Since time immemorial, humans have used eye contact to communicate. It's only in very recent years as we have all been so tied to our phones that looking at your screen feels more comfortable than looking at another person."

The triangle method's effectiveness

Does the triangle method actually work? It can signal interest for sure, and boost your confidence in the process. It also helps those who feel awkward at flirting practice communication.

"The triangle method is super fun – you feel sexy and the person you're flirting with feels the hot jolt of your attention," says Joey Garcia, relationship expert.

Hoffman adds: "Eye contact is one of the key elements of flirting. Making appropriate eye contact releases neurotransmitters that allow someone to feel safe. On the other hand, creepy eye contact triggers the bodies fight, flight or freeze responses. That is why the triangle method is so effective. It gives singles a framework for how to replicate appropriate eye contact."

This tactic aids in communication on dates, where someone darting their eyes elsewhere could signal a lack of interest.

"I believe that the triangle method improves communication, because it keeps things between the two of you by keeping the focal point on the actual date," Knighten says.

In case you missed: The 'three-month rule' and the signs your relationship won't make it

The problem with 'seduction hacks'

Before using the triangle method out in the wild, consider whether you're, to paraphrase "The Bachelor" franchise, in it "for the right reasons."

"I'd be cautious about any 'seduction hack' that promises the secret to winning over your crush," Vered Shashoua says. "Most of these hacks, like the triangle method, originated in pick-up-artist spaces."

"Instead of seeking out seduction hacks, you'd be better off working on your confidence and just talking to more people," Vered Shashoua adds.

That said, seduction doesn't have to be something negative. "Seduction is not a bad thing, in my view, just depends on how you use what happens after seduction," Knighten says.

Plus, "I don't think using body language is manipulative or wrong," Hoffman adds. "The majority of our communication is nonverbal so using eye contact to convey interest is an excellent shortcut to building connection."

Here's to trying something new, if you're so inclined. Happy flirting!

All the single ladies: Never been in a relationship? You're not alone.