I feel like I've picked up a few things by now, even in my limited experience. Just wanted to share/discuss some thoughts here.

I feel that not seeming too interested is important? I think this applies to early friendships too, to some extent. I've noticed this because I've made these mistakes in the past, and recently some guys have made this mistake with me.

By 'seeming too interested' I mean giving too many compliments, awkward compliments, inviting them out too soon, too often, double/triple messaging, oversharing in conversations etc. I'd really like to discuss the dynamics of why these things are off putting. You'd think it would be nice to know they're definitely interested, but instead they come off desperate and this kills attraction. I guess for men aswell, it destroys the chase, since you're essentially chasing them. I feel something similar as a woman too, in that it kills any mystery, and so it's just not as fun to pursue.

Basically, no one wants you to spill your guts, because then they've seen it all and it becomes uninteresting. And no one wants to see you spill your guts either. Atleast that's my takeaway.

I feel there's more to it than just poor social skills too, I really feel it destroys the challenge, and for me anyway, that devalues the early relationship. As in, if they seem too interested and can't keep their cool, they directly come across as less of a catch. It's more satisfying to feel you've impressed someone calm and collected, with potentially lots of options, than someone who latches on really soon, as if you're the first attention they've had in months.

Also, I swear I recognised a guy showing opposite tactics, I may be imagining things but hear me out. We'd been flirting a bit back and forth, and then I noticed him start up a lively conversation within earshot of me. The other guy he was talking too seemed disinterested, so I'm kinda convinced he was trying to impress me. Whether that is what happened or not, I do think it's a good strategy, to take the attention off of them, and show you have good social skills in general. It worked aswell lol, I was impressed.