FLIRTING

In 8th grade, I was awarded the class superlative for Biggest Flirt. The boy who won (whom we affectionately called Jimmy-V) lived right around the corner from me... and although we never dated, we were the flirtiest of friends from the elementary playground through our high school graduation. And Jimmy-V, if you're reading this: I look forward to some good, old-fashioned flirting at our 10 year reunion.

To flirt can mean:

1. To make playfully romantic or sexual overtures.
2. To deal playfully, triflingly, or superficially with.
   
3. To move abruptly or jerkily.
4. To toss or flip suddenly.
5. To move quickly.

I love playful flirting. I think it's fun and can make you feel good about yourself. And sometimes it can even garner a wink or a compliment that makes you feel young & vibrant & reminds you that you are attractive to someone. When you're single, flirting is an excellent way to break the ice and start you both off with a smile. And when you're in a relationship, flirting with your partner can be an easy and enticing way to keep that spark alive.

But there's also the danger when flirting can sometimes go even one step too far - phrases like "flirting with disaster" come to mind. It's a fine line - to enjoy the flirt that's in each of us but to keep it always innocent and harmless. For if you do happen to go too far, that definition can easily go from "playful" to "tossing or flipping" your heart quite suddenly - and without warning.