Is Flirting REALLY Harmless?

quichebradford

I’ve heard people say, “I'm a harmless flirt”…but is there really such a thing?

What if the person being flirted with takes it seriously?

What are your thoughts?

wickedcricket

yes. Flirting is harmless and does NOT imply commitment in any way. IF someone takes it the wrong way, that's THEIR problem and not mine.
Best not to flirt with desperate, insecure people but they're not gonna change who I am

ChitownFoodie

im not sure....i've had guys take me being nice as an invitation....they usually go too far.

monicanicoletta

I think there is a very fine line.. and flirting is natural, we all crave attetnion and bounce of others reactions etc. But its about not taking it too far- always think if my significant other etc were in front of me would i feel guilty or weird? As long as you are never inappropriate and misleading its fine

DeenaSteelerGirl

Harmless ... definately.

Broken_

I feel flirting is good for self esteem (both sides).

Still, if it is mistaken for a "come-on" perhaps the person flirting needs to lighten up a little.



-Rain

lovinlife71

HARMLESS!!!!

Iamfit4life

depends

but if you're in a relationship there is a rule...

If them doing what you are doing would upset you, it's wrong.

Losing2Live69

Call me old-fashioned, but I think flirting is not acceptable if you are married. I believe sex isn't the only way to cheat. You can have an emotional affair that starts with simple flirting. What starts out as harmless exchange of words or looks can quickly change to more. I think a lot of cheating probably starts with non-chalaunt flirting.

Kalrez

Short answer, no.

Not in my world anyway.

Call me old-fashioned, but I think flirting is not acceptable if you are married. I believe sex isn't the only way to cheat. You can have an emotional affair that starts with simple flirting. What starts out as harmless exchange of words or looks and quickly change to more. I think a lot of cheating probably starts with non-chalaunt flirting.

^ that has a lot to do with why I don't feel it is harmless

If you're single, then whatever. But if you're in a relationship, it's a total no-go.

RocketsGirl75

Flirting is harmless. You can't control how others react to it. But yeah I think flirting is harmless and lots of fun!

PrettyLittleLiar79

Flirting is harmless....Everyone does it.

It is definitely a self esteem booster when you get flirted with...and as long as you are not crossing the line, it is innocent.

bry_all01

Now, if you are flirting to make someone feel better, then, I'd say yes. If you are flirting with intent to take it further, no, If the flirting does go further, i.e. emotionally connected with said flirt and/or physical contact, definitely NO. Never. Also, if you flirt openly and your significant other knows about it, one thing, but if you do it secretly, like you have something to hide, big flashy warning signals should go off as a big no no.

It can be harmless if you know your boundaries and do not cross them. What do you think?

grfox66

I don't think flirting in itself hurts anyone....so...

HOW YOU DOIN???:bigsmile:

MrsCon40

Flirting is harmless UNLESS it invites action.

MochaMixAZ

Slippery slope. It can be harmless - unless it makes someone else feel crummy, like yoru significant other.

When I was unattached, I think it was harmless and fun. But now - I try really hard NOT to flirt and give someone the wrong impression.

sjmgde

I use to feel it was harmelss until an event happen and i realized it is very harmful. What good could from it. Whether you feel or know it you are being dierespectful to your signficant other/spouse or the other persons signifiacnt other/spouse. Now if both parties are single go for it but if you are involved or the other person is involved it is not right. So signle on both sides go for it and enjoy it but if attached no it is toxic and harmful

_beachgirl_

Some flirting is harmless, some isn't.

grandtheftuno

Sometimes it can be really hard to read, and easily misunderstood.

For example, a guy at my local coffee shop and I have had a flirty-type thing going for a few months, and recently that has progressed into me getting free coffee. The catch is, I'm pretty sure he's in a commited relationship. I can't figure out the right way to ask, and I am attracted to him. My wallet is also enjoying the free coffee (though my waistline isn't loving the cream!) I'm not positive that it's genuine, interest based flirting on his part, or if we both just have that personality, and if the free coffee thing is just a total disrespect for his job.

SoDamnHungry

I think there's harmless flirting, but not all flirting is harmless.

SimplyShanRunning

Harmless.....What would life be without flirting....DULL!!....If you are unsure of the persons advances...Be like me ....just be straightup....Let them know your just playing....If they continue to take it serious....and you feel they are attaching....its your job just back off.......well at least thats what I do....if they harbor feelings for you.....How they heck are you supposed to know....I Say YES!!!! to flirting I support the flirtation movement

AmberMagdalena

I think minimal flirting is harmless under a couple of circumtances.

1) You're out one night and you dance and flirt a bit, never to see that person again.
2) You flirt with someone who you will never meet (e.g. online, penpal) and you have made it clear it is nothing more than that.
3) It's someone that you have a mutual understanding that things will NEVER go further than that, EVER.

Flirting is human nature. We all want to feel beautiful, sexy, and wanted. Even with a full time partner, a busy life may get in the way of your basic human needs. You may love and be in love, never to love another again, but you still crave that feeling of sexiness that a busy partner may not always be able to provide. I think flirting is healthy. It's kind of annoying when people say stuff like "I love my man, he's my best friend, I don't need anyone else!". Because frankly, that's not normal. You're probably smothering your "man"....

cnsmith2

flirting itself is harmless...but sometimes it can lead to actions or perceptions that aren't. It's a line and you have to be very careful about not crossing it.

sjmgde

Call me old-fashioned, but I think flirting is not acceptable if you are married. I believe sex isn't the only way to cheat. You can have an emotional affair that starts with simple flirting. What starts out as harmless exchange of words or looks can quickly change to more. I think a lot of cheating probably starts with non-chalaunt flirting.

Well put well put :happy:

cloneme_losehalf

Flirting is dependant on the purpose and is also mistaken. As a hairstylist, I can say I have been called a flirt MANY of times. Call it what you will. I am full of kind words, smiles, etc. I know when I am flirting and I know when I am being nice. It's not my fault if someone else reads into it!

dmpizza

I worked with a guy that could walk through an office grabbing women's chests and the ladies swooned over him and understood it was nothing more than flirting.
Very few people can do this, for most people it should not go beyond "you look nice today".

Of course all bets are off for lapdances.

rwd5046

It's all about the intention...............it can be harmless......................it can also be harmful.

gogirl1371

If you are single Go For It! However, if you are in a committed relationship just imagine your significant other carrying on and flirting with someone else and ask yourself how you would feel. If it is a behavior you would use in front of your spouse or wouldn't mind them acting that way with another woman/man than you are probably fine. However, remember the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you... remember Karma's a *****.

Krull_the_WarriorKing

So wait a minute... let me get this straight.... all you married people aren't going to leave your husbands and be my sister wives? Gawd.... I already ordered matching leather suits for everyone.

boomboom011

i personally believe if you are in a relationship and if you are doing something that you wouldnt do if your SO was standing right next to you then its wrong.

DannyMussels

If you are single Go For It! However, if you are in a committed relationship just imagine your significant other carrying on and flirting with someone else and ask yourself how you would feel. If it is a behavior you would use in front of your spouse or wouldn't mind them acting that way with another woman/man than you are probably fine. However, remember the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you... remember Karma's a *****.

I completely agree here.

I see tons of people in relationships or married that do it, and I know more often then not it seems to cross the line (but nobody ever knows/finds out).

One lady I worked with had 'single' on her Facebook for like 8 months, and she was married with kids. wtf......