A good wink is a simple, friendly gesture that works best with people you know and like. According to a recent article, the wink has gradually developed a reputation as something more cheeky or even questionable, often associated with older men, 1970s game show hosts, or people who might have had a few too many drinks at a work party. The author of the piece clarifies that they don't wink at strangers, though their wife may get the occasional one. The article suggests that using winks too freely could turn a harmless, old-fashioned gesture into something that might even be considered inappropriate. A wink can mean many things—hello, thanks, I understand, or even a shared joke. It’s a quick, efficient way to communicate without words, especially when leaving a situation. According to the article, a wink is a small, private signal meant for one person, showing that there's an understanding or connection between you. Psychologists have noted that non-verbal cues like eye contact, smiling, and laughter can help build social bonds and foster a sense of connection. One of the few memories the author has of their paternal grandfather involves a family gathering when they were a child. At the time, they were an only child and likely not very sociable. During the event, their grandfather caught their eye across the room and gave them a wink. The author recalls feeling as though their grandfather had quietly let them know they were part of a shared group, which felt comforting and reassuring. Unfortunately, the wink has become more complicated in modern times. The article suggests that the rise of the winking emoji on social media, texts, and even emails has changed how people perceive the gesture. If you need an emoji to explain a wink, the author argues, you might not be ready to flirt. A wink should be a small, subtle punctuation in a conversation, not the start of one. A cheeky wink to someone you know and who would appreciate it can be fun, but it shouldn’t be used on people you don’t know well. The article also outlines some guidelines for responsible winking. Use only one eye, not both—slow blinking with both is more for cats or your father watching golf. Avoid combining a wink with a click of the tongue or finger guns, unless you're trying to be annoying. Don’t hold the wink—doing so might suggest something is wrong with your nervous system. And use winks sparingly: one is charming, three in a minute is a habit. If your winking looks awkward or forced, it’s better to just nod. The appeal of a wink lies in its old-fashioned charm—something our grandads used, and who were, by the way, much cooler than we are now. A wink is warm, slightly silly, and can create a quiet moment between two people without needing words. The author continues to wink, carefully and responsibly—without finger guns.