"Have you ever considered flirting at a funeral...?"

That's one of my first impressions of this book.

I need to note that, for nine years, I was the most read dating columist on the planet. I wrote for big media and have probably read or at least heard of every dating book you can think of. My job title was as hilarious as the author's. "Dating Expert".

I should also note that, at one point, said big media also owned Match.com, the company the author used to work for.

With that in mind, I had high expecations of this book. I mean, SECRET rules of flirting. I'm excited (truly). I want to hear about all the stuff I haven't yet, or at the very least, have someone bring to light all the secrets that those of us in the industry know about, but rarely get the opportunity to share.

The first nugget came early, in the introduction. "Low stakes equals great flirting". While she doesn't go into detail as to what this means exactly, (other than to say don't look into the future, stay present), I would agree this is an important nugget and probably the most useful for most of us.

Does the book offer up more great little tidbits? I'd say... yes. While much of it is straightforward and common knowledge, I'd say this book would be exceptionally useful to (a) those that feel they get rejected often, (b) those that can't or don't know how to flirt, or (c) can't seem to meet new people no matter what they do.

For instance, seeing rejection as a good thing. (Truly, it is!) When you can wrap your head around this process.... it's a win-win for everyone. You don't waste your time with someone that's not interested, and they don't feel bad for having to say no.

I didn't find a lot of "secrets" in here, I'll be honest. But "The Secret Rules of Flirting" is a light-hearted, ''flirty, fun read that I would wholeheartedly recommend to my readers struggling with connection and playfulness in a romantic context. ( )

This book helps you overcome your anxiety to approach someone new. There is lots of information on how to approach a person, how to read body language, what to say and what better not to say, and even likely spots for a flirt - I was astonished to see "at a funeral" among those.

You might not be always successful, rejection is part of the game and there are a lot of tips on how to cope with and learn from rejection. The important message of the book is that it is not about hooking up each time you flirt, but to get to know people, which then may lead to a relationship.

The illustrations are especially helpful on the topic of body language.

I might try a few tips, but probably not all - I do not intend to pour red wine over the person sitting next to me to get a conversation started. ( )