Women are armed with fans as men with sword

Fan Etiquettepublisher of The Spectator in the early 1700s, was known to have said that if he could only see the fan of a disciplined lady he could tell her mood and what she was feeling. Addison also started an academy for women to be trained in the use and handling of a fan. In regards to fan etiquette he said, "Women are armed with fans as men with swords, and sometimes do more execution with them."
 

Here are a few other signals listed in "How to Fan a Flirt"

• Carrying a fan in the left hand signified "desirous of acquaintance"

• Allowing the fan to rest on the right cheek meant "yes" and on the left "no"

• Placing the fan on the left ear signified "you have changed"

• Drawing a fan across the forehead meant "we are watched"

• Drawing a fan across the eyes meant "I am sorry"

• Opening a fan wide meant "wait for me"

• Dropping a fan meant "we could be friends"

• Fast fanning meant "I am married"

• Swift drawing of a fan through the hand meant "I hate you"

• Placing the handle of a fan to the lips meant "kiss me"

• Twirling a fan in the left hand meant "I wish to be rid of you"

• Twirling a fan in the right hand meant "I love another"

• An open fan held in the right hand in front of the face meant "follow me"