How to Shoot Your Shot (Without Embarrassing Your Ancestors)

So, you’ve got a crush. Your heart races when they enter the room, you suddenly forget how to walk like a normal human, and somehow, your voice decides to switch to factory reset mode whenever they say “hi.”

As the hot babe that you are, you’re not waiting for them to make the move. But, you also don’t want to be that person who makes things awkward. You need to know how to shoot your shot gracefully – without embarrassing your ancestors in the process.

Here’s how to show your crush you like them without being cringe (or worse, getting ghosted before the conversation even starts).

Master the Subtle Art of Flirting Without Being Awkward

If you’re the type who turns to full-time motivational speaker mode when nervous (“So, uh, what are your thoughts on the current economic situation?”), calm down. Subtle flirting techniques work best. Try these instead:

Eye contact: Not stare into their soul levels, just long enough to show interest.
Smile: A genuine, I’m-not-a-serial-killer kind of smile.
Use their name in conversation: It makes them feel special and keeps things personal.
Laugh at their jokes (even the dry ones): Sometimes, love requires small sacrifices.

Drop Hints Without Being Too Obvious

You don’t want to text your crush something wild like “I dreamt we got married and had three kids” when you’ve only had two conversations. Instead:

Compliment them – casually. “You’re actually really funny” hits different.
Find shared interests and start a conversation naturally (“Wait, you love Jollof over Fried Rice too? You have taste o!”).
Be around, but not too around. You’re showing interest, not auditioning for a role as their shadow.

How to Shoot Your Shot Gracefully

Nobody wants to go viral on Twitter NG for getting rejected publicly. Here’s how to make your move without putting your dignity at risk:

Send a funny meme that relates to an inside joke between you two.
Playfully challenge them to something—FIFA, Ludo, or even a small argument over who has the best suya spot. Winner gets bragging rights, loser buys lunch.
If they’re responding with the same energy, escalate slightly. A little “You owe me a proper date now” never hurt anyone.

What NOT to Do (Unless You Want to Be Left on Read)

Don’t be weirdly formal (“Good evening, esteemed crush. I hereby express my interest…” Please, no.).
Don’t overshare too soon. They don’t need to know your childhood trauma on Day 2.
Don’t be a dry texter. If you’re responding with “lol” and “k,” just block yourself.
Don’t overdo the “mysterious” act. You’re flirting, not auditioning for a Nollywood villain role.

How to Know If They Like You Back

Reading signals can be hard (because humans are confusing), but here are signs they like you too:

They mirror your energy—matching your jokes, effort, and vibes.
They make excuses to talk to you or spend time with you.
Their texts actually have content (and don’t take three to five business days to arrive).
They roast you in a way that feels affectionate (classic Nigerian flirting technique).

Be Smooth, Not Stressful

Flirting isn’t rocket science; it’s supposed to be fun! Whether it’s through texting your crush, dropping subtle hints, or simply acting like a normal human around them, just remember: confidence is key. Even if you fumble, own it with your chest.

Worst case scenario? You move on with your dignity intact. Best case? You and your crush start something amazing and you even get a special Valentine’s Day experience. Either way, your ancestors will be proud.

If you need more tips on how to shoot your shot, join the Dating and Relationship community on Fusion today!

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Nesiama Fasola

Nesiama (Ness) Fasola is a community manager, tech enthusiast, writer and full time hopeless romantic. She loves to scribble words in a bid to make sense of the jumble of thoughts, ideas and emotions that constantly plague her mind. At her leisure, you can either find her nose-deep in a book, brewing coffee or poking around in her garden.