Research published in the Psychological Bulletin claims to have carried out the most comprehensive and detailed analysis to identify markers that someone is attracted to you. The researchers analyzed 50 empirical studies that focused on attraction and non-verbal cues, the subtleties of attraction, while accounting for different cultures around the world.
They concluded that eye contact, smiling, laughter, and initiating conversation were identified with attractiveness the world over. In Western cultures, head nodding and mimicking behaviour were also identified as indicators of flirtation. Lead Author of the study, R Matthew Montoya from the University of Dayton in Ohio, said that the specific suite of behaviours associated with liking can be found across all cultures in the world.
Indicative signs also included development of trust and rapport signified by close proximity and interest in talking.
The research also busted some myths associated with flirtation. For example there was no evidence that flicking hair, lifting eyebrows, using hand gestures, primping clothes, open body posture, or leaning in had any effect on flirtation.
The findings were not only beneficial to personal and romantic relationships but to friendships, work relationships etc. As Montoya explained, these markers had little to do with someone being attracted to you, but with them trying to build some sort of relationship with you.