Flirting is alleged to be a form of human interaction, usually expressing a sexual or romantic interest in the other person. It can consist of conversation, body language, or brief physical contact. It may be one-sided or reciprocated. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Romantic love is a form of love that is often regarded as different from mere needs driven by sexual desire, or lust. ... Lenin and Stalin in conversation Conversation is the verbalization of concepts involving abstractions and concrete objects which make up the reality in which we reside. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ...

Flirting is often used as a means of expressing interest and gauging the other person's interest in courtship, which can continue into long term relationships. Alternatively, it may simply be a prelude to casual sex with no continuing relationship. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Long term relationship is a common, contemporary term for intimate interpersonal relationships that may be lifelong and may or may not consist in marriage. ... Casual sex refers to sexual activity outside the context of a romantic relationship, consisting of a range of informal sexual encounters. ...

In other situations, it may be done simply for immediate entertainment, with no intention of developing any further relationship. This type of flirting sometimes faces disapproval from others, either because it can be misinterpreted as more serious, or it may be viewed as "cheating" if the person is already in a romantic relationship with someone else.

People who flirt may speak and act in a way that suggests greater intimacy than is generally considered appropriate to the relationship (or to the amount of time the two people have known each other), without actually saying or doing anything that breaches any serious social norms. One way they accomplish this is to communicate a sense of playfulness or irony. Double entendres, with one meaning more formally appropriate and another more suggestive, may be used. Definition Intimacy is complex in that its meaning varies from relationship to relationship, and within a given relationship over time. ... An interpersonal relationship is some relationship or connection between two people. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Flirting may consist of stylized gestures, language, body language, postures, and physiologic signs. Among these, at least in Western society, are: This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... While not moving, a human can be in one of the following main positions. ... Leonardo da Vincis Vitruvian Man, an important early achievement in the study of physiology. ... For alternative meanings for The West in the United States, see the U.S. West and American West. ...

• Eye contact, batting eyelashes, etc.
• "Protean" signals, such as touching one's hair
• Casual touches; such as a woman gently touching a man's arm during conversation
• Smiling suggestively
• Winking
• Sending notes, poems, or small gifts
• Footsies, the "feet under the table" practice
• Teasing

While some of the subconscious signs are universal across cultures, flirting etiquette varies significantly across cultures which can lead to misunderstandings. There are differences in how closely people should stand (proxemics), how long to hold eye contact, and so forth^[1]. Eye contact is the event when two people look at each others eyes at the same time[1]. It is a form of nonverbal communication, and can be an intense or emotional occurrence or a soon-forgotten event. ... Proteans are subtle, often unconscious, flirting signals, such as a womans touching her hair when first meeting a man. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... A wink is an intentional facial expression, made by closing one eye and tensing the facial muscles above and below. ... The Chinese poem Quatrain on Heavenly Mountain by Emperor Gaozong (Song Dynasty) Poetry (from the Greek , poiesis, making or creating) is a form of art in which language is used for its aesthetic qualities in addition to, or in lieu of, its ostensible meaning. ... Footsies is a practice in which two people use their feet to play with each others feet. ... Teasing is the act of playfully disturbing another person, either with words or with actions. ... Bus shelter with seats with armrests, designed to deter proximity, as well as sleeping. ...

The origin of the word flirt is obscure. The Oxford English Dictionary (first edition) associates it with such onomatopoeic words as flit and flick, emphasizing a lack of seriousness; on the other hand, it has been attributed to the old French "Conter fleurette", which means "to (try to) seduce" by the dropping of flower leaves, that is, "to speak sweet nothings". This expression is no longer used in French, but the English gallicism to flirt has made its way and has now become an anglicism. The Oxford English Dictionary print set The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a dictionary published by the Oxford University Press (OUP), and is generally regarded as the most comprehensive and scholarly dictionary of the English language. ... Gallicism is a mode of speech peculiar to the French; a French idiom; also, in general, a French mode or custom. ... This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ...

References

1. ^ "Spiegel Online: Scoring a German: Flirting with Fräuleins, Hunting for Herren"—Jun 05 2006

External links

Wikisource has original text related to this article:

A nineteenth century perspective on flirting

• SIRC Guide to Flirting
• Nonverbal Courtship Patterns In Women: Context and Consequences
• Psychology Today - Flirting Fascination –Reviews several studies on flirting