FLIRTING.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 26, 23 September 1893, Page 5

FLIRTING.

(Contributed by Bazzle Dazzle) Is it wrong to flirt ? Well, that nil depends upon the species of flirting’ one indnlg’es in. There are cases in which it is decidedly wrong, and others in which it is simply amusing. In the majority of cases it is more reprehensible for a man to flirt than it is for a woman to do so. Leaving hearts (as they have become old-fashioned) out of the question, we will consider the subject from a practical point of view. When the woman flirts, she does not injure the matrimonial prospects of the person with whom she is amusing herself ; ■on the other hand, when a man pays marked attention to a woman whom he has no intention of marrying, he may be seriously wronging her by standing in the way of an eligible suitor. Many people who use the word “flirt” never stop to consider the meaning of it, neither do they suppose that there are more .kinds of flirt than one. First, there is the boisterous flirt, given to practical joking. Of her little need be said. Words strong enough to express disapproval of her conduct would be difficult.to find. Next, there is the girl who flirts for mere love of power. She likes to watch the restlessness, the struggle, the yielding, and then the final subjugation of her victim, comparing these symptoms with those exhibited by former captives. To her, while youth lasts, it seems to be a necessity -of existence to continue adding to these conquests, and to keep her friends informed of each new proof of her power over “ man, poor man.” Then there is the husband-hunting flirt. By many she is condemned as a disgrace to her own, and a danger to the opposite, sex.; but in reality she is not so much to blame ; the fault lies rather iu the existing order of things, which makes women in general too dependent upon the sterner sex for protection and support. Men condemn women for trying to secure husbands, at the same time the greater number of them look with anything but favour upon the idea of women becoming, to a certain extent, independent of them. Then again it is not to be wondered at that girls should be anxious to max - ry, considering’ the smile, if not sneer, with which the woxid in general refers to “ old maids.” We have not yet reached the age referred to by Lamb when “ the topic of ‘ female old age ’ can be adverted to without excitixxg, find intending to excite, a sneer’ —when the phrases ‘ antiquated virginity,’ and such a one ‘ has overstood her market,’ pronounced in good company, shall raise immediate offence in man or woman that shall hear them spoken.” Lastly, there is the girl with whom flirting is second nature. From the ■cradle upwards, she flirts with any-

one ami everyone 'whom she likes, with women just as much as with men. She has a particular liking to pay attention to old ladies, finding much more pleasure in hearing them say “ Heaven bless you, lassie, you’re young, and bonnie, and sweet, ’ than in listening to the most elaborate compliments from young men, however fascinating said young men may be. Her own nature is so joyous, and generous and buoyant that some of her overflowing happiness is of course imparted to others. But ■ all this charm of maimer she does not e .cpcct to go for nothing. She expects, and rightly, just as much attention to be paid to her as she - pays to others. From her pretty lips you will often he ir laughter, but never ill-natured jukes, at ihe foibles of her own and the opposite sex. Of all flirts, she is the most likeable and the least dangerous : indeed the word flirt applied to her is a misnomer. Nevertheless, she is called one, perhaps because there is no other word in the English language which so nearly describes her.

Of the various specimens of male flirts we will mention here three only First, the vacillating creature -who seems incapable of determining whether he will marry or not. Secondly, the aesthetic lady-killer, who throws languishing glances, which he prides himself are irresistible, and thirdly, the boasting flirt, who, like the club snob ‘ Wiggle,’ ■would have you believe that his success in affairs du coeur are something’ stupendous. Of the three abovementioned it is difficult to decide which is the most contemptible. Were it not considered unbecoming for women to make proposals of marriage, then it would be no worse for a man to flirt than it is for a woman to do so, but until we reach tire time when women will be treated with justice, men should be merciful and refrain from flirting, and women should be too proud to indulge in that pastime.