What is she calls me friend but flirts?

It's common to be confused when someone identifies as a friend but engages in flirting. This behavior can stem from a variety of reasons. It's crucial to understand that the interpretation of "flirting" itself can be subjective. What one person considers playful banter, another might see as a serious sign of romantic interest.

Here are some possible explanations:

• They are genuinely interested: This is the most straightforward explanation. The person may have romantic feelings for you but is testing the waters or unsure about how you feel. They might be using flirtation as a way to gauge your interest without outright stating their feelings. The "friend" label could be a safety net to avoid rejection if their advances aren't reciprocated. Consider exploring the possibility of a romantic relationship with them.

• They enjoy the attention: Some people enjoy flirting simply for the attention and validation it provides. It can be a way to boost their ego and feel attractive, without necessarily having any intention of pursuing a serious relationship. This could be related to their self-esteem and need for validation.

• They are naturally flirtatious: For some people, flirting is just part of their personality. They might flirt with everyone they meet, regardless of their level of attraction. It's simply how they interact with others and express themselves. Understanding their general personality is key in this case.

• They are unsure about what they want: They might be attracted to you but also value the friendship you share. The flirting could be a result of their internal conflict and indecision about whether to risk the friendship for a potential romantic relationship. This uncertainty can result from fear of commitment.

• They are testing boundaries: Sometimes, flirting can be a way for someone to test the boundaries of the friendship. They might be curious about how you would react to romantic advances, without fully committing to pursuing a relationship. This may have to do with relationship dynamics between the two of you.

• Miscommunication and Different Interpretations: As previously mentioned, flirting is subjective. What you perceive as flirting might not be their intention. Perhaps their actions are just friendly banter or playful teasing that you are misinterpreting as romantic signals. Good communication is key to understanding each other.

What to do:

The best course of action is to communicate openly and honestly with the person. Express your confusion and ask them directly about their intentions. This can be a difficult conversation, but it's the only way to truly understand their behavior and avoid further confusion or hurt feelings. Clearly define your boundaries so they know your limits.