Flirting or Social Roles

Men are often expected to be the initiator in relationships – asking women to dance or to wed. They risk rejection. Women are expected to wait and decide, possibly sending signals in advance to avoid uncomfortable situations.  They are constrained from openly pursuing relationships. And turning down a young man is not a pleasant task either.

Women who are more assertive, who feel comfortable initiating flirty relationships can be seen as a threat to the status quo – so other women may find ways to damage them socially. Rumors abound.