As a self-confessed flirt and firmly attached woman, I'm suprised by how many people gave such a strong "no" to this that I sat down and thought it over for a bit, in light of my own experiences on both sides of the situation. My boyfriend works in a bar, and I'm aware that a lot of banter and flirting goes to and fro between customers and staff, and staff and other staff. I know because I did the job myself for some time. I'm actually sort of fine with this. If girls flirt with him, if he flirts back- as long as its all strictly non-contact I don't mind. And as long as its just flirting (Try nick my man I'll be after you with a knife!) So to the person who said "Would it be ok for me to casually flirt with YOUR boyfriend"- yes, absolutely. I've spoken to a couple of friends about this and they all seem to be toeing pretty much the same line. You have to consider that plenty of married or attached women really enjoy flirting with gay guys (and vice versa) they KNOW there's nothing in it, its just fun, a laugh, a hobby even. Flirting is about fun and friendliness, not about sex. It looks like some people have got a little confused about what the question was actually asking (it wasn't "Is it ok to try and pick up someone elses boyfriend" after all)
I think there is a line that sometimes gets crossed which is why so many people are uptight about it. Remember that flirting is above all a friendly activity, rather than a sexual one.The idea of flirting is essentially to make someone feel good about themselves- make them feel attractive, and make yourself feel attractive. Its not about trying to achieve sexual goals. After some deliberation I came up with these guidelines:
1. Don't touch. No knee rubs, no furtive brushing against each other, no hair stroking, no nothing. A hug, or brief peck on the cheek to say hello or goodbye is permissable, but only if you're in the habit of such displays with everyone- don't single out one person for this. And don't let it linger.
2. Don't be over-sexual. Flirt by flattering (eg. "you look nice, that shirt really suits you." or even a cheeky wolf-whistle when he takes his top off) but don't make outrageously sexual comments or suggestions about what you might like to do to him, or talk too much about sex in general.
3. Don't ever insult his partner, your partner or suggest, even jokingly, that you'd rather be with him than whoever you're with. In fact, try to ask how his partner is at some point, and if appropriate, refer to your own, to make it perfectly clear that everyone knows where they stand.
4. Don't do it in front of his partner. Its unfair and horribly uncomfortable for her (or him), and if she misreads the situation, you may well get a hefty slap.
5. If he breaks any of the above rules, or makes you otherwise uncomfortable, BACK OFF, and immediately mention his girlfriend's name as much as possible, or you'll bite off more than you can chew.
Comments
As long as everyone knows that the 'casual flirting' is just playful banter, there are no boundaries being crossed.
by Grandma Roses - my avatar is my real dog on December 21st, 2005
Flirting does not always promote positive feelings; its motive is frequently revenge, selfishness or jealousy.
by HappyTom52 on December 23rd, 2005
Only sad fools flirt for revenge and they can use anything to fuel their fantasies.
by RedJohn on December 26th, 2005
well i flirt a lot. but never with someone that's already taken. so i guess it's not okay.
by LiShuRe on January 3rd, 2006
Flirting is immature. If a guy likes a girl, then just say, "Hey baby, come here often?" That's how I met my wife.
by Answers101 on March 8th, 2006