Dating in this modern age of digital, instant everything has created a generation of romantic hopefuls who are ready to jump into commitment at the click of a button. But for the person who desires more than just screen-to-screen interactions with a significant other, physical interaction is necessary to make the commitment permanent.

Physical appearance is often regarded as a major contributor to attraction, but a new study conducted by the creators of Caress has revealed that scent and body language are even more influential than just looks alone. If you’re one of the unmarried, single-and-ready-to-mingle women looking to make a lasting impression on a partner for the coming shut-in months, here are a few dating tips to take you from cyber-crushing to dating in reality.

Entice him with your scent and soft touch

The sense of smell isn’t often associated with attraction. But according to the Caress study, a woman’s scent plays more into her lasting impression than one would think. In fact, six out of 10 men find their significant others desirable because of their soft touch or irresistible scent. Body language expert and Caress spokesperson Tonya Reimen shares her advice on how a woman can use scents along with her natural body chemistry to keep a cyber-romance burning in real space.

“Scent is a major factor in attraction, and I recommend women create a signature scent by stacking fragrances,” Reimen suggests. “Notes such as vanilla, amber, sandalwood and musk can actually enhance any other fragrance. Make your base a fabulous fragrance that has these notes like the new Caress Love Forever Body Wash; it releases fine fragrance when skin is touched for up to 12 hours.”

Touching during the first date can send a variety of signals, acting as non-verbal cues of interest and desire. Reimen suggests using natural forms of touching to leave a lasting imprint on a significant other. “Nearly half of men are more likely to remember a woman’s scent or touch than her name. Why? A touch forms bonds, commitment and intimacy, while scent triggers feelings and memories,” explains the body language expert. “Find a way to incorporate a natural touch. Shake hands at an interview or brush up against your date. That instant connection is electric, and immediately indicates a deeper level of interest.”

Use positive body language cues

Before speaking one word, a person gives off a series of signals that speak to the subconscious, indicating interest or a lack thereof. Tonya Reimen suggests the use of certain positions of the body and confirming non-verbal cues to lock in interest.

“If you’re looking to show someone you’re interested, lean in while you’re talking, point your feet toward the other person and nod while they speak to let them know you’re listening,” the Caress spokesperson advises. “Even the tilt of your head speaks volumes. A tilt to the right signals you’re trustworthy—perfect for a job interview—while the left makes you more attractive. Try it on a date. Want to take it one step further? A soft touch to your heart and exposure of your neck are sure to send a message of sensuality.”

Sometimes body cues are simple and subtle, but if all else fails, a classic smile will do the trick.  “Smiling communicates confidence, makes you more attractive, shows you’re interested and lifts moods,” Reimen explains. “Seeing a smile causes a chemical reaction that decreases stress and boosts feel-good transmitters in the brain. It’s contagious and others can’t help but smile back, so you benefit from the same positive effects.”

Read between the lines

Sometimes body signals can get misinterpreted, especially when they don’t match up with what’s being said verbally. “All body language is subject to variables,” says the body language expert.  “And since it doesn’t involve actual words, readings are interpretations of clustered gestures based off the science of biology and anatomy to recognize the pre-wired signals. Understanding the context of the situation in addition to how well you know someone and how you realize they might usually behave also play a role.”

Common signs of disinterest are often overlooked, but should be observed to put an end to what could turn out to be a dating disaster. Reimen gives examples of common body language cues that indicate a lack of interest. “There are several body language cues that immediately indicate disinterest. Keep an eye out for cues such as crossed arms, when someone is leaning back or away, a lack of engagement in conversation, and if they’re easily distracted by other environmental factors.”

Remain in engaging conversation

It seems that the last decade of instant messaging and abbreviated texts have created a gap in communication between people these days. According to Reimen, this inability to connect adds to the list of first date don’ts.

“Missing turn keys in conversation and an inability to thread conversation topics from one to another to keep things relaxed and flowing are common first date mistakes,” she states. It may appear to be difficult to maintain conversations longer than 140 characters, but it’s possible— especially when using social media profiles as a springboard for conversation.

Glamazon Tyomi is a freelance writer, model and sex educator with a deeply rooted passion for spreading the message of sex positivity and encouraging the masses to embrace their sexuality. Her website, www.glamerotica101.com, reaches internationally as a source for advice and information for the sexually active/curious. Follow her on Twitter at @glamazontyomi.