Flirting

I had to go to UPS yesterday. While I waited in line to spend $60 to send a ridiculously small package over seas for work, I noticed that the manager - who was younger than me by the better part of a decade - was adorable.

When I got up to the front of the line, the adorable manager gave me a huge smile and said, "now that you've finally made it to the front of the line, I'm going to do everything I can to make sure it was worth your wait."

I laughed.

As BossMan (the name displayed on his name tag) helped me through the laborious process of sending my [very] small package to the U.K., he winked, smiled and made funny comments. His good-natured manner made me feel completely comfortable and I found myself engaged in witty banter.

As I walked out of UPS, I noticed two things:
1. Everyone in line had been watching our little encounter.
2. They were all smiling...and so was I.

It wasn't until I was back in front of my computer, that I realized what had happened: the UPS guy had been flirting with me. He wasn't hitting on me and I wasn't wondering if he was going to ask for my phone number. In fact, there weren't any expectations at all. It was the kind of innocent flirting that I just don't experience very often - the kind that is done by two people who are simply enjoying each other's company in that moment.

The key to BossMan's flirting was the ease of his delivery - he wasn't intrusive, demanding or desperate. A crucial distinction since, as we all know, a failed attempt at flirting can make the recipient feel so uncomfortable, they might as well be watching Michael Scott deliver a seminar on sexual harassment.

The point? I've always been able to step up and respond when offered some quality flirting, but after my delightful experience at UPS, I've decided it's high time I learned how to be the instigator. So, no grocery bagger, valet attendant or dry cleaning cashier is safe - I'm on the prowl for some flirting practice.