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Marriage & Divorce Principles
Three Signs That Flirting Has Cross the Line Jillian M., a mom of two who is in a committed relationship, and who has been flirting with a co-worker, is wondering if that makes her a bad person. Most of her friends say that flirting with a co-worker “is a definite nono,” but Jillian feels that her flirtation is harmless. There's "no touching or sexual advances whatsoever," she explains, and it's hard to end it because it satisfies her need for "a pick-me-up." Jillian's situation is far from unique among moms. Many Circle of Moms members admit to occasional attractions and flirtations with friends, co-workers, or strangers, and many wonder how and where these innocent flirtations — whether their own or their significant other's, veer into dangerous territory for a couple in a committed relationship. Circle of Moms members has offer three warning signs that an innocent flirtation could become a doorway to heartache and humiliation.
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1. Are You Disrespecting Your Partner? Krista E. and Kelly L. are among many moms who agree that it’s normal for married people to have occasional crushes. Flirting is natural, they say, but it becomes unacceptable when done in secret, or when it causes discomfort: "I think it's perfectly fine as long as your husband knows about it and is okay with it,” Kelly explains, adding that it has to be done "with no other intentions." Krista draws that line a little more strictly: "Does the activity honor your spouse?” she asks. “If not it shouldn’t go any further than that.” 2. Are You Living Online Instead of in Your Marriage? Kylie H. feels that a little bit of flirting is fine at parties or social events, where everything is out in the open. It's Internet flirting that's dangerous, she says, because it transforms and intensifies quickly into the kind of connection that truly threatens a committed relationship: "an emotional affair." She would be livid, she says, if
SISTAH TALK | JANUARY – MARCH, 2013 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
