So we all know that if you're interested in a girl, it's best to make your intentions clear sooner than later as opposed to becoming friends first, which can then possibly lead into the "friendzone" or in an awkward position trying to transition into flirting.

So, given that both parties know each other well, when they say make your intentions clear, would you say this is more or less literal? As in, genuinely telling the girl you like her and would like to take her out to know her more? Or, making your intentions clear as in flirting/teasing/escalation, etc, and creating that question of "does he like me" in her head?

I ask because the first take, while It may lead to a quick result, from my small amount of experience and extensive research, it's not the best move to confess your feelings. Perhaps this is where I go wrong, but generally speaking, I tend to want to have the final say. In other words, seeing if the girl likes me first.

The second take, well, my question on it is, if you flirt, escalate majority of the moments you get with this girl, wouldn't she eventually know that you are interested? As in, the moment you come up to her, she knows you will more than likely flirt with her. Or should it be in such a way, were you flirt, create sexual tension, to get her intrigued and question these thoughts?

I don't mean to play games or waste anyone's time, but it would be dumb to ignore that gaming in general does take practice and skill. And a balance between leading on, but not making it too easy, can be a bit confusing at times. Furthermore, both genders find some sense of chase/challenge as fun. Not that this is my intention, but it's simply true. I've had some girls and friends agree on this, unfortunately lol.