Why couples should flirt with each other every day — plus the ‘red flag’ to avoid

Flirting may do more than spark romantic interest — experts say it can also benefit emotional well-being, as long as it stays within appropriate boundaries.

Mindy DeSeta, Ph.D., a clinical sexologist and mental health counselor in Miami, Florida, defined flirting as a "one-on-one interpersonal experience," delivering a message that someone is interested in learning more about another person.

Flirting in general "feels good," the expert told Fox News Digital, adding that there are both emotional and physiological effects.

COMMON MARRIAGE HABIT COULD QUIETLY KILL YOUR SEX LIFE, EXPERT WARNS Flirting may activate brain chemicals involved in pleasure, reward and social bonding, DeSeta said.

It can also lower the stress hormone cortisol.

"It builds confidence, it's a positive social interaction that improves self-esteem," she went on.

"What I also hear is that people want to flirt in general because it makes them feel attractive and desired … That's a normal human feeling." DeSeta said she views flirting as a signal of attraction and believes it should remain between romantic partners or people pursuing a romantic relationship.

"It’s really hard to be platonic because it does release that bonding hormone," she said. ‘QUIET QUITTING’ IN MARRIAGE: THE SUBTLE SIGNS A SPOUSE HAS EMOTIONALLY CHECKED OUT For those who feel the need to flirt with someone who is not their partner, the expert suggested this could be a "red flag" for what’s happening in the relationship.

"As a sexologist, I'm a huge believer that we must date and flirt with our partner every day," DeSeta said.

It's normal for relationships to sometimes need a "reboot," she said.

"In one marriage, you're going to get many, many marriages… You'll find people getting stale or very hollow in their relationship, and that's when you will start looking outside to get those needs met, especially in flirting, because it's something that's very easy to do." HOW OFTEN ARE MARRIED PEOPLE HAVING SEX? WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE INTIMACY STANDARD IN AMERICA If flirting begins to extend beyond the relationship — from a coffee-shop barista to a colleague at the office — DeSeta advised stopping "immediately" and redirecting that energy toward the partner.

"Be vulnerable and go in with, ‘I miss this about us.

I want to bring this back into our relationship,’" she said.

"And don't forget to share, ‘This is what would make me feel attractive and desired by you.’" Anna Elton, Ph.D., a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical sexologist in Massachusetts, said couples struggling with intimacy often miss the fun they shared at the beginning of their relationships.