Dear readers,
Among the many struggles men face (yes, blessed men), is the fact that we often have to hold our ding-dong while we poop. It’s not the most glamorous thing to admit, but it’s real. And while we’re on the subject of things that are hard to hold, let’s talk about a different kind of burden: being nice in a world that reads it as flirting.
Let’s be honest: the lines are blurry these days. Ask someone how they’re doing too often, and suddenly, you “want something.” Compliment a hairstyle and boom—you’ve been added to the list of suspects. Even holding the door open comes with a raised eyebrow.
But flirting? That’s an entirely different ball game. If I wanted to flirt with you, you’d know. I wouldn’t be coy. I’d ask about your new hairstyle, not out of curiosity, but with a sly smile and a loaded tease. I’d drop clever one-liners, double entendres, and make you laugh just enough to wonder if there’s more. You wouldn’t leave confused. There’d be a rhythm, a spark, an unmistakable invitation.
But that’s the point, isn’t it? There’s a clear difference between being kind and being intentionally provocative. The problem is that society—especially in this digital age—has made suspicion our default setting. And so, genuine kindness becomes suspect, and real interest gets lost in passive sarcasm and emojis.
Maybe the real message here is this: let people be kind without needing a disclaimer. And if someone’s flirting, you’ll know. Trust me.
Yours in awkward compliments,
A Well-Meaning Gentleman
