Dirty flirt!

[Colapop]

Is flirting during the course of business an accepted part of standard business communications? If so the how far should you go? Obviously physical contact would definitely breach ethical boundaries but how far is too far without actual physical contact? The question asked of me today (along with the accompanying text - below) and I found I had mixed views on it. On the one hand, as long as no-one gets hurt and there is no harm done, I suppose it can help grease the wheels of business. On the other hand business communication is not the place for word-play or allusions. How much do you do it - flirt during the course of business? Do you do it at all?

HER:

Are you ticklish then ?

HIM:

No but I do have sensitive areas

HER:

Such as ...

HIM:

That depends on the touch

HER:

Light strokes?

HIM:

Sometimes firm

HER:

So a mixture of both is good?

HIM:

Definitely. Mixing it up adds a bit of zest

HER:

Nothing like a bit of zest

HIM:

To spice things up...

HER:

A bit of spice is always nice.

::EDIT::
The text above does refer to me!! (I wish)

[bugjuice]

love ta do it.. puts the spice in life, just don't let the missus catch up!
and of course, it's always nice to feel wanted, even if it is just some fun/fake/shallow/hollow/pitty/bribe/paid/other

then again, that's just in general. If it's at work, then there's not always a time and place

[ArcherWC]

So has she actually met you , do we need to warn her

And a bit of harmless flirting wont hurt unless someone takes it too far. Remember you probably have to work with them in future

[Indiana_Jones]

no harm in flirting, in or out of the office

*hides before my g/f finds me*

-Indy

[bugjuice]

actually yeah, Spank, is there any way to lock gf's out of this thread?
i'm ok, cos my mac is dead.. but others may not be so fortunate (plus, others could tell my gf and then i'm screwed)

[MisterD]

Being in sales, I just wouldn't with anyone who was an actual decision making client....on the other hand, passing a bit of pleasant time with an attractive receptionist, well it'd be rude not to!

[Sniper]

So they talking about how to season a good steak?

[bugjuice]

why can't chicks take compliments tho?
just sayin 'nice boobs' or 'you're cute'.. and they get huffy..

[Colapop]

words

You didn't read it properly, did you?

[Finn]

Sorry guys. I very rarely see any integrity or professionalism behind the scenes in NZ business. Just yesterday, I was told that a CEO of a very large NZ corporate (household name) bypassed HR and senior management to appoint a pair of tits. I know this woman as she is incompetent to the extreme.

The only reason we're told not to flirt is because the ERA think work shouldn't be a fun place. Regardless of the environment, men will be men and woman will always be dirty sluts.

[MSTRS:Me]

...
HIM:
No but I do have sensitive areas
...

We know (or more correctly), Mahaman knows ....the pads of your thumb and forefinger when utilised in conjuction with each other...

[bobsmith]

my work is definately not a place for flirting... It may of course be because most women I work with are at least twice my age... Oh and did I mention if I did flirt my fiancee would find out? She works at the same place...

[ManDownUnder]

Gawd - I do not believe I'm taking the serious/analytical approach this but... *stops for breath*

Warning - I'm totally unqualified on all fronts here, I am running on life experience only

It depends on how socially/emotionally aware you are. If you are able to determine who to flirt with, when and why - then go for it. Brilliant fun and while there are taboo/over the top comments out there, you'll avoid them.

Comedians use the same/similar approach to thrill their audiences into making them laugh. Help them anticipate what's coming then either
1) Blindside them with an unexpected answer (a witty twist of the plot or a double entendre of sorts)
2) Fulfill what they expect to be coming, but something they don't believe you'll actually say because it's just not something people discuss - in public or from the character involved.

An combined example of both is Finn's joke - with a Nun stuck in traffic, horns blaring and a little boy tells says' "Show him your cross".

So she yells back "Stick it up your arse motherfucker!"

Flirting's the same. You need to know your audience (and that's something that can take some time... nicely lending itself to a work environment). And you need to know how to appropriately build that anticipation.

The release or realisation of the anticipation's the bit that gives the thrill... and sex (being the "taboo" subject it is) lends itself nicely to both flirting and comedy as a result.

Sad to say, but some people just can't do it. But if you can... then go for it! It's part of the fun and spice of life.

[ManDownUnder]

Sorry guys. I very rarely see any integrity or professionalism behind the scenes in NZ business. Just yesterday, I was told that a CEO of a very large NZ corporate (household name) bypassed HR and senior management to appoint a pair of tits. I know this woman as she is incompetent to the extreme.

Regardless of the environment, men will be men and woman will always be dirty sluts.

Jesus man - we need names, photos, evidence...

[gijoe1313]

Hmmm I think I miss all those subtle cues for flirting. Zero social appreciation skills m'lud! I've had friends clip me over the head for not noticing that girls were flirting with me...my reply was "What are you guys getting so worked up over? More for you innit!"

Right plonker I am, the despair of my poor suffering mum and doomed to be painting liitle soldiers for the rest of my days...oh yeah, and riding my bike! :