Flirting

I think flirting is a natural sequence in mating behavior. However, when a married person flirts with someone other than their spouse, it can be quite harmful. Unfortunately, this sort of thing happens so frequently that most people accept it as the norm.

What causes this behavior? Insecurity, boredom, desire for attention, power? I’m not sure, but an underlying desire for external validation seems to be a big factor. Most people consider flirtation harmless. I wonder how the spouses of these flirts feel? Disrespected? Invalidated? Diminished?

If you have made a commitment to Christ, yet still seek validation outside this relationship, is it much different?

We seek validation in many different ways. We try to affirm our worth through our education, careers, possessions, beauty, talents, influence, wealth, accomplishments etc. What are we trying to be worthy of? If we dig deeper, we all have a desire to prove that we are worthier than others. Worthier of what? Happiness? Attention? Admiration? Comfort? Love? Eternal Life?

If our worth comes from God’s love, and God loves us all equally, then none of us is any worthier than the other. Flirting for validation, in any form, is a just an illusion.