Flirting can be one of the most thrilling yet confusing experiences one can have.
If used successfully, flirting can be a fun, rom-com-worthy interaction that leaves you feeling on cloud nine.
However, most flirting goes unnoticed because our signals aren’t always so evident.
It might just be friendliness
Some people are naturally flirty without realizing it.
Friendly people naturally possess warmth and engaging conversation skills, which can be mistaken for flirtation."
Confusing friendliness for flirting is so common that it is frequently a theme in movies and shows.
He explained, “Flirting can serve as a confidence booster or a way to playfully interact with others.
However, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a desire to pursue something beyond harmless banter.”
Dating apps and social media have drastically changed flirting by making it more easily accessible than ever before.
However, it has also made flirting slightly more confusing.
Either way, it’s recommended that we avoid subtlety when it comes to flirting.
Trying to make a friendship romantic can completely change its dynamic, possibly leading to awkwardness or falling outs.
This can deter one friend from pursuing the other out of fear that they’ll lose that person.
Because your brain isn’t expecting that, you miss the signals.
Insecure folks have wired their brains to deflect any information that counters their beliefs about themselves.
This typically stems from issues like childhood trauma, a difficult upbringing, or bullying.
Ultimately, the way you view yourself makes all the difference in interpreting what someone says about you.
To paint a picture, Burch shares real-life insight based on a previous client’s experience with low self-esteem.
Even then she was in disbelief," Burch explained.
There’s no doubt that rejection stings, especially when it comes to shooting your shot.
However, as the saying goes: “No risk, no reward.”
Fear of rejection, uncertainty, or previous negative experiences can make individuals hesitant to fully express their interest.
This can manifest as ambiguous flirting, making it harder to discern their true intentions."
Those who fear rejection will use ambiguous flirting to test the waters.
It’s too subtle
Oftentimes, flirting goes unnoticed because of how subtle it can be.
Again, context also plays a major role in how flirting is interpreted.
The age of social media has also made subtle flirting all the more difficult to read.
According to relationship counselor Sam Holmes, “Flirting norms and cues can vary across cultures and even regions.
What may be seen as flirting in one context could be perceived as simply being polite in another.
