There are many signs you are in a flirtationship that you should be aware of. If you are not familiar with the term, a flirtationship is defined as much more than your typical friendship but less than a romantic relationship. Do you recognize any of these signs you are in a flirtationship?
One of the signs you are in a flirtationship is when you are frequently flirting with a close friend. You tease him by doing childish things to him, such as poking him, stealing his cap, spanking his butt or tickling him. You laugh a lot together and enjoy hanging out. You also have nicknames for each other and inside jokes that no one understands.
Flirting becomes even more apparent when there's a constant exchange of playful banter and teasing. It's not uncommon for those in a flirtationship to find themselves whispering in corners at parties or choosing seats next to each other at group outings. The electricity between you two might even lead others to believe you're an item, with your secret smiles and that undeniable twinkle in your eyes whenever you interact. This playful conduct is all part of the fun, yet it never steps over the line into serious relationship territory.
You aren’t really sure how to label the kind of friendship you have with him. You both know it’s a lot more than a platonic friendship but don’t know what label to put on it. You aren’t dating in an official sense so you can’t tell people he’s someone you are seeing. And you aren’t sleeping together so he’s not a friend with benefits, although many flirtationships do proceed to that stage.
It's that uncertain terrain where you're more than friends but less than a couple. You find yourselves in a curious limbo, enjoying the sparks of attraction without all the labels that usually define a relationship. It's a tightrope walk between affection and ambiguity—delightful yet puzzling. Confessing to friends about this unique connection might raise eyebrows or invite questions, but for now, this undefined territory feels strangely comfortable and exciting; a secret realm for just the two of you, not quite ready for the weight of a title.
Some people say you have to be single to be in a flirtationship but I’ve discovered that isn’t always the case. This type of relationship can happen even when both of you are in committed relationships. Your partner may not like your “platonic partner” and the friendship probably makes him uncomfortable. And you can be sure that his girlfriend hates the fact that he’s close to another female. Be warned that should your feelings change for your flirtationship partner, it could seriously jeopardize your relationship.
This is the guy that quickly responds to your texts regardless of how weird they are. It’s common to send this guy pictures of dancing kittens, lizards wearing vintage clothes and dogs dressed in superhero attire. He finds them hilarious and reciprocates in kind. It seems like you guys never run out of things to talk about because you are always laughing together.
You aren’t really sure how to feel about this guy. Sometimes you look at him and think he would make an awesome boyfriend if you guys could move past this flirtationship. Other times, you think he is a great guy but definitely meant for someone else. There is chemistry there but you aren’t sure if there is enough to ignite that spark into a full-blown relationship. Neither one of you really pushes the issue so you enjoy the relationship the way it is.
This guy actually cares how you are feeling on a day to day basis. He listens when you tell him what’s going on in your life. He cares enough to dry your tears after breaking up with some guy and is eager to give dating advice. He wants to know the outcome of important events in your life, like a job interview, a final exam or dating a new guy.
When you go out, people think you are dating because of the flirtatious way you act around each other. Even though you tell them he’s not your man, they ask why not and insist you guys would make a great couple. After the event, the two of you leave and you end up at his house to crash on the couch. Chances are you have some of your personal belongings, like a toothbrush and pajamas, over at his house.
This very close friend has the makings of an excellent boyfriend if only you could get unstuck from this flirtationship. But many people can’t or won’t take the friendship any further. So have you experienced a flirtationship?