It’s no surprise that given the close relationship some people have with their cell phone, it was only a matter of time before sexting became commonplace between consenting adults. Phone sex’s little cousin, it’s just as exciting because you can do it anytime without anyone noticing. The art of sexting is to send a few titillating lines via SMS.

A veritable, high-tech flirting tool, the "sext" is just as accessible to those who are more timid as it is to the adventurous. Sexy texting is an easy way to surprise your love, fan a new flame or tease a lover from a distance. Here is how you, too, can become a pro at sexting.

1. Draw your line
Sex messages are like a big playground. First of all, determine what it is you wish to get out of it: A torrid night or a sweet rendez-vous with a potential boyfriend? Draft your message accordingly. And a curfew applies to sexts just as it does to late-night phone calls. If he texts you after 11, his intentions are probably more on the physical side.

2. Test the waters
To avoid catching the object of your affection off guard, be subtle. ’I want you,’ is a classic… For the more adventurous, ‘I want to sit on you,’ doesn’t mean anything specific, but it really opens up the imagination, says Sophie, 28, a PR specialist who is tethered to her BlackBerry. You need to know when to up the tone a notch, she smiles. A simple ‘I’m thinking of you’ can also go a long way…

3. Make it short
Another golden rule: short messages with direct descriptions are the most efficient. Avoid abbreviations. Messages should be quickly done, but well done. Abbreviations and emoticons lack taste, says Sophie.

4. Make him wait (sometimes)
While it’s impressive to see people texting at the speed of light, even the most subtle flirting requires a certain finesse. Which means maybe not replying right away. When it’s a short-term affair, you need to be clear, however when it comes to love, you need to know how to make yourself desirable, says Sophie. But don’t make him wait too long! Always respond within 24 hours and within three hours if you’re really interested. Otherwise you might cool the conversation.

5. Be patient
Did you put yourself out there and he didn’t respond? Take a deep breath. Sexts are fun, but they don’t mean commitment. Sometimes it’s hard on the ego, but in the worst cases you might have caught him at the wrong time or he’s not as interested.

The road to becoming a sexting pro continues on the next page...