FLIRTS AND FLIRTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17014, 12 April 1923, Page 10

FLIRTS AND FLIRTING.

Flirtation is an art which masquerados under various name*. Disguised it is often regarded as an enviable accomplishment; catalogued in plain language, it is- condemned t-o rank among the Seven Deadly Sins. And vet there are two sides even to tins question, for undoubtedly, there is flirting and flirting.

The emancipation of the modern girl has done much to obliterate all traces of what was hitherto called “ flirting *' in its true sense. Tlie freedom of companionship, the healthy moral tone, induced by much exercise and organised energy, has borne a* its fruit a spirit of bon camaraderie towards the opposite sex, an honest appreciation of man -is an acquaintance or friend, but as something decidedly other than lover or admirer. Tlie girl who falters and casts down her eyes at the approach of a man is now practically obsolete—a memory only of “Lydia Languish,” with her sighs and fluttering coquetry. The girl of to-day, with her fearless demeanour, her capable assurance, and her frank, unconventional manner, excites admiration which only the envious will misconstrue. Then, too, modern education includes a certain grace of manner and the polish of cultured, personality which wa; practically unknown to the girl cf a past decade. There is infection in the iight-hearted gaiety of merry girlhood that- is without self-consciousness, and there is seductive sweetness in the bright eomj. anionship of a cultured woman. Black moods, worries, all the trials and tribulations of a busy life, flee at the sound of glad laughter. And the dear old tiresome world .seems all sunshine

again., that for a moment htio* wm * hotbed of trouble and tangles difficulties. Ts this, then. tho flirt? This personality which attract* the best of every nature with which it comes in contact? rt- is lather, I think, a wise appreciation by men of the best that life has to offer. It is like inhaling the perfume of roses, or listening to the song of birds. ... A. touch of Nature’s choicest production, and. as such to be regarded.