6 TIMES INAPPROPRIATE FLIRTING BEHAVIOR (EH, NEIGHBOR, HOLD ON A SECOND)

Look, we are really quite fond of flirting, but preferably with nice men. Then flirting is just really fun and pleasant, and who knows, it might even lead to something. But it can also go wrong, because sometimes a flirt comes from an inappropriate angle and that leads to heart-wrenching awkward situations. A selection.

Your teacher

A few years ago, I had an incredibly tough literature course that would end with an oral exam. You had to connect three million incomprehensible literary theories to a previously read list of equally incomprehensible novels. If you didn't pass the oral, you didn't pass the course, so the pressure was quite high. When I finally walked into my teacher's office, shivering and trembling (yes, that's a word), he was slouched at his desk, feet on the table, hands folded behind his head. I could take a seat, he said in a sultry voice. He had just one button too many undone, which allowed me to see just a bit too much chest hair. While the literary theories whirled through my head, he said, “I mainly want to hear you, just tell me, I want to hear you talk,” and he said that in a tone that made me very, uh, nervous. He kept looking at me intently, and while I enthusiastically started talking about novel X, he didn't say a word, asked no questions, and after fifteen minutes it was already “I've heard enough, you passed. Of course.” Or if I wanted to stay for a cup of tea, but I knew how quickly I had to get out of there. I passed that course, but I don't really know why.

Your boss

My boss and I get along really well (hi May) but luckily there's no flirting involved. It becomes different when you work for a man. And especially when you work in a more business-oriented environment. I know stories from friends at law firms with just a bit too eager partners. Whatever happens, don't fall for it, because as long as you are lower in rank, it can only be used against you.

Your doctor

Since you're coming for a ‘women's issue’, lying with your legs wide open in such a torture chair, and he suddenly asks if you happen to have dinner plans tomorrow night. Um…

““Better a good neighbor than a distant friend” but actually I completely disagree with that”

Your trainer

Making all sorts of complicated bending and jumping movements multiple times a week with your sweating body clad in tight clothing – it is quite attractive. Especially if you have a enormously muscular and attractive fitness hunk as a trainer. But know that he probably does this with everyone, and the last thing you want is to be the gym's slut. So ignore it.

Your neighbor

“Better a good neighbor than a distant friend” but actually I completely disagree with that. Because suppose your neighbor is flirting heavily with you but you want nothing to do with it, then that is mega awkward because avoiding him is quite a task. I once had a brief romance with a guy who lives two houses down from me, but once that was over, I was almost afraid to walk down my own street for fear of running into him.

The boyfriend of your best friend

The classic. You all stand, oh what shall I come up with, in the pub and he starts pinching your butt as a joke, throws in some winks, and later you get a text saying “god you looked great tonight.” This is a code red situation, stay FAR away from this and convince her to dump him straight away, without explicitly telling her about these events of course.