Top | Newest First | Oldest First
jim44444 · 70-79, M
Hi @Carissimi I have a few thoughts about this.
I also will contend that most married people will occasionally flirt on here and in real life.
Why?
Because we are married, not dead. We recognize the attractiveness of other people. So do our spouses. I feel sorry for those yoked to someone so dysfunctional that each must deny their humanity.
So what is wrong with flirting? I see it as a breaking of a social barrier, the acceptance of another into my group. The acceptance of another as someone to trust. It is a social way of letting someone know that they are accepted. It is not always a sexual ploy.
Sure it could be a seduction technique but that is manipulative misuse of flirting. It is used to gratify the urges of the individual. It is not intended to develop a social cohesiveness.
Why do some married people come on here to flirt?
This question seems to imply that the only reason that some married people are here is to flirt. It may be that some small percentage fall into that classification but I will contend that most married people are here for a host of other reasons.I also will contend that most married people will occasionally flirt on here and in real life.
Why?
Because we are married, not dead. We recognize the attractiveness of other people. So do our spouses. I feel sorry for those yoked to someone so dysfunctional that each must deny their humanity.
So what is wrong with flirting? I see it as a breaking of a social barrier, the acceptance of another into my group. The acceptance of another as someone to trust. It is a social way of letting someone know that they are accepted. It is not always a sexual ploy.
Sure it could be a seduction technique but that is manipulative misuse of flirting. It is used to gratify the urges of the individual. It is not intended to develop a social cohesiveness.
View 8 more replies »
OogieBoogie · F
@jim44444 @Carissimi
I've pondered on your question.
And I'm also a person to love only one at a time.
But neglect from my partner at the time, (which I've later found out can be worse than abuse, emotionally), caused me to seek people and conversation elsewhere.
I came here primarily for just a place to talk ideas, to find sociability.
But also found fun in flirting.
And I can't deny it made me realise I wasn't all the things I was told I was.
I found me again. My spark, My vitality and a sense of my inner respect for myself that I'd, for too long, lost.
It also helped me learn about the dynamics of my 'relationship' that I'd not seen.
Once my partner found out that other men liked me - he out in effort to getting me back - but also in destroying connections I'd made here.
It woke me up to the dysfunction I was living in.
Now, it may not have worked out that way, because, for a time - me Learning to love myself helped our relationship. If it hadn't been for overt possessiveness amd need for control - i think it would have kept improving.
So maybe, when married people flirt here - it helps them realise they're still attractive, it boosts self esteem - and may help them rejuvenate what they have romantically in RL.
It's just a thought. 🤷♀️
I've pondered on your question.
And I'm also a person to love only one at a time.
But neglect from my partner at the time, (which I've later found out can be worse than abuse, emotionally), caused me to seek people and conversation elsewhere.
I came here primarily for just a place to talk ideas, to find sociability.
But also found fun in flirting.
And I can't deny it made me realise I wasn't all the things I was told I was.
I found me again. My spark, My vitality and a sense of my inner respect for myself that I'd, for too long, lost.
It also helped me learn about the dynamics of my 'relationship' that I'd not seen.
Once my partner found out that other men liked me - he out in effort to getting me back - but also in destroying connections I'd made here.
It woke me up to the dysfunction I was living in.
Now, it may not have worked out that way, because, for a time - me Learning to love myself helped our relationship. If it hadn't been for overt possessiveness amd need for control - i think it would have kept improving.
So maybe, when married people flirt here - it helps them realise they're still attractive, it boosts self esteem - and may help them rejuvenate what they have romantically in RL.
It's just a thought. 🤷♀️
Carissimi · F
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I understand completely why married people flirt when they are not having their physical and/or emotional needs met from their significant other. I was speaking of those who say they are happily married, that’s what I don’t understand. [@
I do have a question for you, though. You said you learned to love yourself. Didn’t that come about from being validated by others who found you attractive? If you never knew that others found you attractive, you’d still believe what you had been told. Is that right?
I do have a question for you, though. You said you learned to love yourself. Didn’t that come about from being validated by others who found you attractive? If you never knew that others found you attractive, you’d still believe what you had been told. Is that right?
OogieBoogie · F
@Carissimi it's a very long tale, and highly complex.
But to simplify it into a nutshell:
I'd come to believe my ex didn't want Me no matter what or how I tried to improve things. In fact - thr harder i tried, it seemed the more resistence I got.
I became lost in trying to change and improve myself for him.
Instead of myself.
Seeing and enjoying fun conversations and debates, and talking of my expereinces woke me up to 'me' AND the reality of my situation.
Sometimes one can get lost in a limited perspective.
And here, broadened mine.
It just wasnt finding that others found me attractive sexually, it was also finding out that I was also socially attractive to some, and that not all other relationships were what mine was.... And Especially - the ones that were..... Had others suffering the same delusions and feelings that I'd developed.
And that not all men treated their women like mine did.
But each aspect - the flirting, the learning, the bigger perspective, all contributed to a clearer, more realistic view of my life, and me.
Plus - the laughter helped HEAPS!😊
As to whether I would have found myself on my own without flirting?.... Yes, just talking normal conversations Here helped me a great deal.
Flirting just helped me find my sexuality again.
I think all in all, this was what a real life friend group would have done.
But since I didn't have one at the time - it was a substitute.
But since then, my life has now expanded - and it's helping Me get back to my True self.
Some peoples lives become, or are limited. And we can't help but compare ourselves to others when we're not happy.
And when one has exhausted all their own personal resources - we look outward for help in feeling better, or for advice.
We are social creatures naturally.
But to simplify it into a nutshell:
I'd come to believe my ex didn't want Me no matter what or how I tried to improve things. In fact - thr harder i tried, it seemed the more resistence I got.
I became lost in trying to change and improve myself for him.
Instead of myself.
Seeing and enjoying fun conversations and debates, and talking of my expereinces woke me up to 'me' AND the reality of my situation.
Sometimes one can get lost in a limited perspective.
And here, broadened mine.
It just wasnt finding that others found me attractive sexually, it was also finding out that I was also socially attractive to some, and that not all other relationships were what mine was.... And Especially - the ones that were..... Had others suffering the same delusions and feelings that I'd developed.
And that not all men treated their women like mine did.
But each aspect - the flirting, the learning, the bigger perspective, all contributed to a clearer, more realistic view of my life, and me.
Plus - the laughter helped HEAPS!😊
As to whether I would have found myself on my own without flirting?.... Yes, just talking normal conversations Here helped me a great deal.
Flirting just helped me find my sexuality again.
I think all in all, this was what a real life friend group would have done.
But since I didn't have one at the time - it was a substitute.
But since then, my life has now expanded - and it's helping Me get back to my True self.
Some peoples lives become, or are limited. And we can't help but compare ourselves to others when we're not happy.
And when one has exhausted all their own personal resources - we look outward for help in feeling better, or for advice.
We are social creatures naturally.
Ladyryan · 51-55, F
I flirted with 3men online while in a real life relationship. It wasn't a satisfying relationship that's why.
Ladyryan · 51-55, F
@Carissimi could be that thought about validation, or that I want more from my relationship, but I know it's impossible to have. Like I want a more sexy guy and at same time more intelligent guy, and more romantic that would bring out the better of myself. Though in reality there's nothing wrong about him. I have been envied by my friends. Just that when you go online you'll meet more men, different kinds. 😂
iamnikki · 31-35, F
maybe they see it as harmless fun?
MarkPaul · 26-30, M
It's easier for them to start introductions with new people than put in the effort to preserve their commitment with each other. People don't take their commitments seriously.
SageWanderer · 70-79, M
I don’t come here to flirt but if it happens it’s in good fun and I hope it’s taken that way. In my case, it does feel good at time to have some attention paid or complemented at times.
Carissimi · F
I can understand you flirting. That even makes sense to me. I know your situation, and that makes a difference. It’s the ones who say they are happily married that I don’t get. @SageWanderer
Salix75 · 46-50, F
Many reasons, open marriages, problems in the marriage, boredom, a recognition that they're married,not dead and flirting doesn't have to mean, or lead to anything
Beatbox34 · 31-35, M
Maybe they want to score some women/men. I mean I've seen people do this over and over again on sw.
romell · 51-55, M
I fail to understand why people are so judgmental I mean if a married woman or man decides to flirt its their issue why should it pain others..besides do you know that marriages are NOT such simple arrangements...lots of people love in marriages for varied reasons ...KINDLY walk in their shoes before you make such broad brush judgments..
OogieBoogie · F
Well, I'm single - and it's fun 😊
It's all tongue in cheek, but it can be such positive thing. Creates good feelings, Laughter and connection.
All good things.
It's all tongue in cheek, but it can be such positive thing. Creates good feelings, Laughter and connection.
All good things.
Carissimi · F
Okay, but you are single. Does it make you feel wanted? Desired? Attractive? @OogieBoogie
OogieBoogie · F
@Carissimi 🤔a little I suppose...
... it makes me laugh mostly.
... it makes me laugh mostly.
Carissimi · F
Laugh? Is flirting funny?@OogieBoogie
People in open marriages, perhaps.
Carissimi · F
Possibly. @AnonymouslyYours
PhilDeep · 51-55, M
Good question and some interesting responses.
MeAgain · 51-55, M
I think there's safety in anonymously flirting online here, than going to an actual dating site where there's real opportunity for an affair.
🧐 You don't know their relationship dynamic, they may have a open relationship, or something. That could be the reason why?
Jeffrey53 · 51-55, M
Maybe they aren’t in a relationship. They pretend they are married
TheOneyouwerewarnedabout · 46-50, MVIP
Are they even married? 🤔
The age they claim, sex...
Yikes
The age they claim, sex...
Yikes
Carissimi · F
Why lie that you are married? It’s usually the reverse. @TheOneyouwerewarnedabout
MartinTheFirst · 26-30, M
people are stupid
MartinTheFirst · 26-30, M
@Carissimi Well you'll hear any but this reason from the people youre asking. So that seems like unreliable data.
Carissimi · F
I’d hope for honest answers from the demographic I’m asking. Why lie to someone online. I’m not a private detective. @MartinTheFirst
MartinTheFirst · 26-30, M
@Carissimi because stupid people love to lie too. It fits in with their lifestyle 😅
Have the cake and eat it too kinda thing
Have the cake and eat it too kinda thing
Tres13 · 51-55, M
Mistress and a wifey
Azlotto · M
Maybe they need some attention.
This message was deleted by its author.
Carissimi · F
I think it’s attention. Now some people who are neglected by their partner/spouse need some attention. That’s perfectly understandable. It’s the happily married ones, I don’t understand. @SW-User
This message was deleted by its author.
Carissimi · F
It’s not that simple. @SW-User
This message was deleted by its author.
Carissimi · F
You could ask that, and you did. @SW-User
This message was deleted by its author.
Carissimi · F
It could change it. It could make someone feel attractive and desired again, if they had been neglected and/or abused by their spouse. Who knows what that little encouragement could do, and what changes may come about because of it. Many people feel unwanted, unloved, and undesirable because of the treatment of their spouse, so it’s not for me to say what could become of it. Maybe nothing. Maybe something positive, and maybe something more negative, although I doubt the latter. @SW-User