The tricky part is that the line between flirting and disrespect or cheating can be different for different people and situations. What happens when they don't match for all parties involved?

that's when it should be OK with the S/O. most S/O's know they other is a flirt and nothing more than that. and as long as it is clear to the one being flirted with...there is no problem

shooter flirts with me all the time and I flirt back...but that's just joking between friends.

cheating involves deceipt, fraud and tricking people

Exactly. It comes back down to mutual intent, trust, and respect.

BINGO....I knew I liked ya for a reason lol. if it is done in secret....not sure I'd say it was cheating, but at least dishonest and disrespectful....unless it goes to another stage. then cheating.

but as long as you and the s/o are ok with it....great. and as long as it is clear to the onebeing flirted with

I thought the whole idea was to say whatever it takes to make them relax..



So you could grab their purse and run!

that's why I don't carry a purse around with me

Hmm...

BINGO friend. And when two people respect each other, online or offline flirting for that matter shouldn't happen.

you can have respect for each other and still flirt with friends.

Many disagree with you there.

and many agree...if everyone agrees and is ok with the flirting...how is it for anyone else to judge?? it might not be right for some but that doesn't make it wrong for others

I think the question is regarding relationships, and if those within them find it acceptable. That is how I answered the question. That is how others that I know of in relationships answered them. What other people do with regard to flirting is of no consequence to me.

that was my point. I can respect your opinion and beliefs. it has to be ok wiht you or it isn't respectful to you.

I am a huge flirt, but when I am with a guy...they know everything. I don't hide it and I make it crystal clear to all that I'm spoken for and nothing will happen. I have never had a problem with a guy not liking it...if anything, they think it's funny and laugh at me.

but the guy I'm with knows (and I make sure) that he is

There are many variables affecting a definitive answer to this question. In most cases I'd have to say no.

I flirt with the ladies in the S&I forum all the time but it doesn't really mean I want to take a shower or have sex with them. There is only one Mingle member in whom I'm currently really really interested. If we started something beyond a general friendship, then I'd tone down my flirting quite a bit. I wouldn't mind if she flirted a little with the guys in the forums if she wanted to. If she didn't herself, and didn't want me to, then that's cool too. I believe it's when we do this flirting behind each others' backs and against the wishes of our partners that it may be construed as cheating.

And if things go beyond simple flirting in the forums and start going to private messaging (with ill intentions) and trying to get together on the side, then it definitely becomes cheating.

What some people interpret as flirting, others may not. For example, I'm a subtle or reserved flirt, while my significant other is blatant.

Try the quiz on this page: http://en.chatelaine.com/english/sex/article.jsp?content=20040504_152734_4500


I came out with:

You are

A reserved flirt
Being subtle and demure has always been your chosen method of seduction. You prefer to let a guy know you're interested with a soft smile, light touch or meaningful glance and then leave it up to him to take it to the next level.
While some men see your quiet charm as sexily sophisticated, others might back off because they don't think you're interested.
Try to focus on the vibe you're sending out and look for safe and friendly ways to increase the intensity of the signal. It's as easy as smiling a little bigger or holding his gaze for a few seconds longer so he gets the message that you're interested. And remember, everybody loves a complement. Don't be afraid to say something nice, chances are, you'll get one right back at you!

I tried the quiz as best I could with changing him to her and beau to bella. But some of the things in there dudes just don't do. And here's what I came out with.

A friendly flirt
You appreciate how effective an upbeat attitude, hearty laugh and afternoon of football watching can be when it comes to winning over the object of your affection. The over-the-top sexy approach just isn't your style. You prefer to befriend your crush and get to know her in her own environment.
The danger of this, is that you can end up becoming "one of the girls," and let's face it, that's a hard image to break.
Try going out on a limb for that special someone by adding a bit of vamp to your virtuous flirting style. If you really show her what you want, there's no way your crush will confuse you with one of the girls.

The simple answer would be no, I don't consider it cheating. But I do consider it disrespectful.

A more detailed answer would go into the fact that everyone's idea of flirting is different. Some people might consider being really friendly flirting, and others might not thing that it gets into flirting territory until you actually start hitting on the other person, asking them out, maybe discussing "inappropriate" things.

SMART!

mine said I was a shameless hussy kidding

A sexy flirt
Girlfriend, you can work a room like nobody's business! Your playful tenacity makes you irresistible to anyone you chose to charm.
Men are drawn to you and women want to befriend you because you exude confidence. You understand the art of flattery and your alluring attention helps you land your man—whoever he might be!
Sometimes, however, you may go a bit too far. Although your intentions are harmless, some people may find your advances too strong.
Try taking a step back and reading the people around you before you choose your level of vamp. It might pay to be a bit more demure in certain situations. After all, a powerful and sexy woman like yourself is so hot you don't want your guy to be afraid he'll get burned.

My results:
A Friendly Flirt
You appreciate how effective an upbeat attitude, hearty laugh and afternoon of football watching can be when it comes to winning over the object of your affection. The over-the-top sexy approach just isn't your style. You prefer to befriend your crush and get to know him in his own environment. The danger of this, is that you can end up becoming "one of the guys," and let's face it, that's a hard image to break. Try going out on a limb for that special someone by adding a bit of vamp to your virtuous flirting style. If you really show him what you want, there's no way your crush will confuse you with one of the boys.