How to survive the office party.

The office Christmas party is probably the only occasion of the year where staff of all levels within a company get together in a relaxed, social environment. It's the one event where you've got a chance to make the best impression to those that count, whether on a business or personal level. These tips are designed to really help you make the most of your chances, while still having fun. And besides, although one survey showed that over 50% of the staff dread the office party another one shows that the office is still the place where we are most likely meet our future partners, so why not have some fun!

Top Tips to Christmas Party Flirting

Dress to impress. Ladies, men are attracted to you physiologically, so wear something with good shape and colour (as opposed to that little black number which will blend you in with everyone else in their 'little black numbers'). Men, novelty ties are a give-away that you have relatives who don't like you. These ties entertain the under seven year-olds only, so go for something a little more subtle.

Research your conversation. One study showed that women can spend up to 3 hours considering what to wear to the office party, but only 5 minutes on what to talk about (men probably spend longer on their choices and even less on the conversation!).  If you want to impress the big cheese, google the company and see what the markets are saying about it. Look them up on facebook or one of the other social media sites to see what their interests are. Butter up their assistant and see if you can find out what impresses them. Make sure you make contact with them before your second drink, no later. Quite often the big bosses leave to let the minions get on with it, therefore don't wait until the dutch courage kicks in or you'll have missed your opportunity.

Pace Your Alcohol. While it's the season of good will, you don't want to get a reputation as the office lush! Pace your alcohol intake - remember, it can be a long evening! Drink plenty of water, and eat something. Take heed - in a management survey some 92% of bosses said that they remembered their employees' "faux pas" at the office party. Sobering statistic, eh!.

Use Easy Cheats. Before inadvertently making a fool of yourself, check out whether your amorous intentions are reciprocated with a couple of easy cheats. Look over in their direction, hold eye contact for the count of four, look away briefly and then look back. If they're still looking then it's likely you have their attention. Try the smile test, if they smile back then that's also a good sign that they're interested in you.

Flatter, flatter, flatter. Don't be fooled into thinking that with a couple of glasses of Chardonnay under your belt, you will suddenly develop a knack for delivering the perfect chat up line. They're pretty corny and have all been used before. Go for simple genuine compliments, like "nice suit!" or "cool specs!" or "you've got a lovely smile". Someone is much more likely to fancy you if they think you fancy them. Avoid talking about work, or worse - your ex - and stick to things you enjoy doing. You'll build a rapport faster and find out if you have anything more in common.

Be confident, it's a top turn on. Don't worry if you're not feeling very confident - you can fake it! Imagine you're naked - immediately, you'll have sucked your stomach in and pulled yourself up to your full height. Maintain good eye contact, smile lots, and you'll be looking confident in an instant. See - easy!

Be polite. Good manners and civility cost nothing, and if the person flirting with you turns out not only to be a prize bore but one who lives several layers up the hierarchy, you'll be thanking your lucky stars that you excused yourself politely.

Live for today... but remember who you're working with tomorrow. If you can contain yourself, refrain from indulging in rampant snogging (or worse) in front of the entire office! Instead, get their number or email, and arrange a coffee at some other rather less public time.

More flirting tips

Head over to the Flirt Guru site and treat yourself to a copy of our infamous flirt Guru CD, or for the ladies who wish to bag a man, we've written 'Single to Settled' especially for you! Click here

Alternative Christmas Party Event

Check out our 'Magical Festive Flirt' for the offiice christmas experience like no other! Dates are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.