The Responsible Flirt

Seems like an oxymoron doesn't it? Responsibility and flirting has probably not been mentioned in the same breath. Heck, probably not even in the same conversation, or even on the same planet.

Fact of the matter is, that they might not be as far apart as what one might think.

What is a flirt? Someone with charm, charisma, and flair, and is not afraid to use it to generate attraction in the opposite sex (or the same one, depends on which direction you're leaning towards. It's the 21st century after all).

Now my question, is WHY is flirting a bad thing? I mean, it's almost always given a bad reputation. But don't we all want to be attractive? To be able to hold a decent, stimulating conversation with another person, to make them smile and laugh, and after that, to be confident and interesting.

As far as flirting is concerned, hey, Freud said that everything we humans do have a certain amount of sexual connotation. Now, I personally think that he might be taking it LEETLE too far, and believe that he's probably had WAY too much thinking, too little sex and possibly OD'ed on what passes for porn during those times (from what I heard, they got off on ankles. I personally can't imagine a centerfold that's fully clothed, with, GASP, naked calves)

That being said, I think he's onto something. A little sexual connotation, a little twist on language, a little teasing is a good thing. A little. Like the verbal and physical equivalent of salt and pepper. Why not? I mean, how bland is a dish without any salt and pepper, without stimulation? Given that sometimes natural tastes are desirable as well, a little seasoning can take something that's already great and make it better.

Ok, let's be fair. Without substance and content, no amount of verbal bantering is gonna help. But hey, for the sake of argument, and to avoid myopia, we shall assume this to be already settled aye?

Moving on, just like seasoning, one cannot apply flirting without care to the recipient. Some people can take it, others can't. Some can take more, some less, and some none at all. Some might even get completely overwhelmed by it and then take it completely out of context.

So the person who has the charm, the charisma, the ability for attraction need to apply this with care. Context and the person on the recieving end of such a communication is vital. The ability to manage this application, is RESPONSIBILITY.

And as such, what is a responsible flirt? An attractive person with wit, charm, and is not afraid to use it appropriately. A "chef" of communication that uses the tools at his disposal ethically. It is also someone who loves a good conversation, draws the lines clearly, toes it but never oversteps.

That person is one that knows the importance of emotions, holds them dear, and before things get out of hand, pulls back and makes sure that nobody and no feelings is hurt, even if it's in the name of fun. ESPECIALLY in the name of fun.

That dear friends, is a responsible flirt.