These days the way to man’s heart isn’t through his stomach, it’s through his mobi. But flirty texting is fraught with danger. What if his Mum reads it? What if he takes it the wrong way? What if a non-fitty gets your number?

Fear not. Here’s your Being Girl guide to safe text.

Find the right lad.

Sounds obvious but check, check and check again that you’re texting the right guy. After all, if a portion of cyber-sauciness intended for Dan ends up in your Dad’s inbox, there’ll be some explaining to do.

Go by the clock.

In lurve, timing is everything. Monday lunch time is cool. So is Thursday after school. Saturday when his fav footy team is playing is less good. And nothing says ‘meaningless booty-call’ like texting last thing on Saturday night after a party where you didn’t meet anyone better.

Play it cool.

Be a mysterious, alluring ice queen, not a desperado and don’t reply to his texts straight away. Ideally you want to make him wait at least as long as he made you wait.

Don’t go over the top.

Texting is flirting without the nerve wracking face-to-face convo. It’s easy to go further than you intend to. Try to keep your head and avoid any declarations of undying love or risqué enquiries about underwear colour.

Play the field.

You’re young, with your whole life ahead of you. Don’t get tied down to one textee. Try and keep two or three boys on the go at any one time. But be warned, any more than five and you could get confused.

Know when to step up.

So you’ve had a few good text rallies, you’ve got loads in common and he makes you laugh. It’s time to get serious and actually speak to each other! Wait until you’re mid text convo (that way you know it’s a good time) and when it’s your turn to reply, call him up instead.

Being Girl Top Tip: If you agree to meet up, be safe. Take a mate along and tell your Mum where you’re going.