How to Flirt and Start a Conversation With “What’s Your Sign?”

Starting a conversation with men and women is easy. Follow these tips and “What’s your sign?” will lead from casual talk to flirting to genuine first-date conversation.

The conversation starter “What’s your sign?” had its heyday in the 60’s when the musical Hair turned everyone’s attention to the Age of Aquarius. Nowadays, it can be a trite conversation topic for couples. It could lead only to small talk. There’s one exception though: If you’re slightly knowledgeable about astrology, these 3 words could be an effective way to flirt and start a conversation.

1. Frame Your Conversation Question

You want to frame, or put a context around, your conversation question. You don’t want to bluntly say, ” What’s your sign?” because the line would flutter in the breeze all by itself. It would brand you as hopelessly out of date. That’s not the way to get and keep someone’s attention.

The solution is to answer objections before they come up. Here’s how: You need to ease into the question so it seems fresh and intriguing. Frame your words so you get to “Yes, I want to hear more.” For example, you could say,

“I’m going to ask you a question that might sound trite, but it’s a subject I’m interested in. If you’re willing to go along with me, I can tell you some things about yourself that will interest you. Are you willing to play along for a couple minutes?”

Wait for the yes or the nod. Then ask, “What’s your sign?” Be prepared for a smart-ass reply, and be good natured if they say, “No through road” or “Detour ahead.” Then you can say, “At least you’re not herpes rising.” They’ll laugh, and the first-date conversation door opens magically.

2. You Don't Have to Be An Expert

You have to know just enough astrology to start a conversation, to show that you’re an interesting, fun person. Here’s an example of what you might say to a Scorpio:

“Scorpios are known for being passionate, of course, but not just in the bedroom. When you believe in something, you work for it; you apply yourself, heart and soul. If you love a movie or a new restaurant, you’ll tell your friends and encourage them to go, too. The barb of the scorpion’s tail is sharp, and you work to soften it and be tactful. The positive view of your critical side is that you can take something and see its faults and make it better. Scorps are reserved, even secretive, so if I had a secret, I’d feel safe telling you.”

Watch for subtle nods or frowns that indicate if you’re on the right track. It helps to be a good BS-er. If your “reading” seems to be going well, keep talking. But don’t go on too long—not much more than the sample paragraph. Be sensitive and you’ll be aware of when to stop. Quit while your audience wants more. At some point you can laugh and say something like, “That’s the end of chapter 2 of the astrology book I’m reading. I can tell you more next time when I’ve studied another chapter.” In other words, be light hearted.

How to Transition From Starting a Conversation

Eventually you gotta get offstage, even if you are an astrologer. Come around to one of the topics you mentioned earlier—for example, about being passionate. You want to signal the end of your performance, so to speak, and the beginning of authentic conversation. You could follow up with good conversation questions like these:

* So what are you passionate about these days?
* What projects or hobbies are lighting your lights?
* Have you read any terrific books lately?

Congratulations! You’ve launched first-date conversation.

And now I’d like to invite you to discover how good conversation questions can grease the path to flirting and beyond. Download your free copy of “15 Sure-Fire Conversation Questions for Dates, Parties, and Hanging Out With Friends.” You’ll also get my newsletter with useful conversation tips, humor, and anecdotes.