1. Respond to emails promptly
Finding a personal email in your inbox is like getting a Valentine, no matter what time of year it is. If you receive an email, reply right away. Your match will know you're paying attention, and that alone will make him or her feel a little special.

2. Ask an "innocent" question
Ask if he has any special plans for the upcoming weekend or if she's doing anything on Saturday. Not only will you find out more about what your match does with his or her free time, you may be able to find an opening for a seemingly accidental run-in. You're going to that new Italian place? What a coincidence! I had planned to go there too ... Get the idea?

3. Hint at an intriguing story
But don't spill the beans all at once. Mention that you're still unpacking your overnight bag and shaking the sand out of your shoes from last weekend's great adventure. What adventure? Let your match wonder ... and send you another email to get the scoop.

4. Remember that a little bit goes a long way
Don't flood your match's inbox with pages of jokes and anecdotes. Keep it short and sweet. Very sweet. Even though you're dying to dive in and chat all day, show a little restraint. Better to leave him or her wanting more than wishing you'd give it a rest.

5. Sign off suggestively
Save that stiff businesslike "sincerely" for your work-related correspondence. To end your letter on a flirtatious note, turn up the heat with a "yours," "wish I were saying this in person" or even "xoxo."

It doesn't take a genius to adapt the basics of good, old-fashioned flirting to the new world of online interaction. A little sweetness, a little coyness and showing a personal interest in your match will get your message across loud and clear — even if it is only communicated through crafty coquettish keystrokes.

Ready to start an intriguing email affair? Romance could be blocks away!

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