subject: When Flirting Is Appropriate [print this page] The act of flirtation has many different definitions according to many different people all over the world. While one person may consider a particular movement of the body or string of words as being obviously flirtatious, another might not even begin to make that connection.
With so many variables involved it is only natural that when it comes to flirting there is often quite a bit of confusion. Many people wonder when or if is appropriate. Some are uncertain of whether or not they are too flirtatious. Even more people are often uncertain of whether or not a person is flirting with them.
Understanding those subtle, sometimes not so subtle, acts which can be perceived as flirtation is important for any person who intends to interact with others. Those who are looking for flirting tips and hoping that others will pass their love tests should be even more in tune with the general population often considers the right time, or the wrong time to flirt.
Where Flirtation is Encouraged:
In some cases flirting with others is not only acceptable, but expected. The following events or locations are probably the best places to head if you're looking to engage in a little romantic courtship.
*Wedding Receptions: Though certainly not with the bride or groom, flirting is highly acceptable at this social event. This is a highly recommended place to find romance and fun as most people enjoy the general spirit that a wedding includes and feel hopeful towards romance.
*Parties: An atmosphere of celebration is an excellent place to flirt with available people as most people are often hoping that romantic lightning will strike at such social occasions.
*Dance Clubs: Many people feel good when they are dancing and having a good time. Little perks up the human spirit like good music and excellent company so feel free to pull of your best flirtatious moves here.
*Bars/Night Clubs: A good many available singles head out for the evening in hopes of finding some romantic attention at these locations and you're chances of being well received are often high.
*Online Communities: Some of the best online dating sites not only allow, but are set up so that people can interact with the very intention of flirting. If you would like the chance to talk to people online under romantic conditions you have only to find the right home and sign up.
Where Flirtation is Acceptable:
Under the right conditions there are some situations or places that flirtation wouldn't be inappropriate, but might not also be expected. Keeping in mind that anyone you approach under these conditions may not be expecting an advance and therefore the flirting may start off a little rocky, but if the person is interested you shouldn't have too much difficulty in smoothing out the kinks.
*Office Parties or Picnics: Though dating a co-worker can be a tricky business these types of events may allow you the chance to flirt with someone you've had your eye on.
*Shopping: From supermarkets to strip malls people are often aware of others, especially if they happen to find them attractive. It is important to remember that your advances may take a person completely by surprise, so be prepared for a strange reaction; this does not mean, however, that your attention won't be rewarded by the right persons.
*Gyms and Health Clubs: One of the trickiest places to flirt with others might be this one. Many people will not welcome an advance when they are working out and in some cases will actually be offended by any overt form of flirtation. On the other hand there are those who would welcome the chance to show off a little of the body they have been working so hard to keep healthy and might welcome the attention it brings. Be observant and watch your step before making a move here.
Where Flirtation is Unacceptable:
Though there are special exceptions to any rule, these events and location will almost always yield poor results for flirting and should not be tested unless you feel extremely compelled to take a chance.
*Funerals: Though there have been many studies linking grief and raging hormones it is often considered very rude to actually engage in flirting during others grieving time. The same is not necessarily true of funerals or wakes designed to celebrate life, though again you may want to be cautious with your behavior.
*Work: Many people completely ignore company policies or advice about not dating those they work with and in some cases the results are well worth the risk. In general, however it is considered very unprofessional to flirt when on the clock.
*Traps: Any place where a person might be forced to be near you for whatever reason is often a poor place to flirt. Though it is worth taking note of that if after striking up a conversation you feel like an advance might be welcome, most people do not react well to being flirted with when they have no escape route. Some examples of this situation might be: on a bus, plane or train; an event where seats are preselected; waiting in a line. It is not always the wrong move to engage in a little flirting in these situations, but do so with great care.
Flirting Tips:
Many of the best flirting strategies and tactics are often common sense, but for those who feel a little lost, a little nervous or are simply new or rusty, it may prove useful to brush up on a few flirting skills and dating safety tips:
*Don't touch a person until you feel certain that it might be welcome and if so, begin slowly not touching them in any inappropriate places when flirting.
*Do always give the proper attention to other people in a group if you're approaching a specific person. For example, if you decide to send a drink to one woman or man, send one to their friends as well; otherwise you may be poorly received.
*Don't keep following a person who has made excuses to move away from you in a social environment. If they are enjoying your company it is likely they will find their way back to you.
*Do remember to smile when flirting; this basic human expression often puts people at ease.
*Don't be too crass with your words when attempting to flirt, it often sends the wrong message even if you and your flirting partner both have the same thing on your minds.
*Do make a good deal of eye contact when flirting; this can intensify the physical reaction to your words.
*Do try to make your flirtation personalized once you have enough information about your new romantic interest to do so. An inside joke can be a very alluring thing to share between two somewhat strangers.
*Don't give out any personal information off or online just because things are going well at first, you may regret it later. Take your time before exchanging numbers and make sure that you didn't just have a great start, but nowhere to go from there.
However and whenever you choose to flirt with others always keep in mind what you might enjoy and react well to if someone were to try out that action on you. If feeling a little nervous or a little uncertain it always helps to continue a normal conversation and gain more perspective on the situation. If at some point you do feel completely lost about whether or not you're being flirted with or if your advances are welcome it can be extremely helpful simply to ask politely.
