Rebecca A. Foster

Tossing out a flirt challenge and seeing it metaphorically fall with a thump at a man's feet? Sort of a non-recoverable letdown. But a man who cracks it back to you, even making you reach a bit? You don't forget a guy like that. Flirting isn't about "closing the deal" per se. One of my favorite flirt partners is gay. And hetero women flirt with each other, albeit in perhaps a different way than with men. Flirting is about noticing the other person has attractive qualities (note: not just physical) and making them feel it. Making them feel you notice. Making them feel you like it and appreciate it about them. I think a good flirtatious exchange leaves people feeling better about themselves. In fact, flirting should continue long after "closing the deal." I'd never be with a man I couldn't flirt with at all points in the continuum. At it's basic level, it's a stylized form of social interaction. At it's most fun level, it's mind...

By heritage, I am half Spanish, half Southern. Good manners and social graces are a big deal to me. Which is why I laughed so hard when I got this email from a male friend: "Rebecca, Damn you, Rebecca!" Because when you curse someone out by email, even in jest, it's evidently still polite to address them first by their proper name. (The rest of the e-mail expressed his dismay that I am currently winning my fantasty football league. He doesn't think I deserve to win, as I don't even watch the games. He's probably right.) By the way, it's weird to be in a place where no one says "Miss Rebecca" as a friendly greeting.

Faux Beau: a guy who does boyfriend stuff for you/with you, but is not actually your boyfriend. (Origin: Candache pandepornium; comes from the niponirish descent meaning "every man in my life who doesn't give it up")* Obviously the phrase 'faux beau' is awesome because: 1. Both words are non-English acquisitions to English 2. It highlights the complexities of English by showcasing two non-English words that became standard English but kept their native spelling and produce the same vowel sound, thus confusing little kids and ESL learners alike 3. It's very Southern 4. It rhymes *My friend Candace added to this post. She's right.