Survey highlights smiling, conversation as key when Kiwis flirt

Do the eyes or the smile have it?
Do the eyes or the smile have it? Photo credit: Getty.

If you're single and looking for love, it can be tough to figure out the best way to show you're available without coming off as pushy, pervy or creepy. 

Luckily a new survey has revealed exactly what attracts Kiwis to each other when flirting, with a smile coming out as the top way of breaking the ice. 

In the survey of over 1000 New Zealanders for telehealth company Smile Direct Club, 60 percent said they would let someone know they are interested in them by smiling at them when they were out at a bar or party. 

For the younger generations that number was even higher: 66 percent of millennials and 67 percent of Gen Z. 

While men were significantly more likely to offer to buy someone a drink than women, the numbers were still pretty low: 15 percent of men, compared to 4 percent of women. 

Instead, 52 percent of men and 42 percent of women were more likely to strike up a conversation.

As for what people are most attracted to at first glance - that also differed between men and women. Thirty percent of men said a person's body was what attracted them most, compared to just 9 percent of women.

For everyone surveyed, the eyes came out on top, with 39 percent of Kiwis saying they're first attracted to someone's peepers. 

So if you're heading out this weekend, perhaps put on a little extra mascara and make sure to brush your teeth before flashing a wink or smile.