Flirtation

William Mistele February 15 

Perhaps what is so captivating about flirting-go ahead, observe this for yourself--is that two people give each other their total, undivided attention in a way that is innocent, effortless, and filled with beauty; sometimes it is as if they have been asleep their entire lives and just now have suddenly woken up and found each other dreaming the same dream.

And if you are lucky, that innocent, effortless beauty is present in what follows, continuing on and sustaining the relationship for a life time.

Others have to learn things like active listening; things like studying a woman's face and posture as a photographer in order "to see" the nearly invisible but endless ways she expresses herself on nonverbal levels.

Or studying acting and writing screenplays because that is another way to become aware of the "subtext," that which again is the part expressed without words in any exchange.

I know. I know. There are no doubt divine beings that will say to you or to me-"Being unlucky in this or that way is our gift to you. Because in filling in and mastering what you do not have you attain a level of pure creativity."

All the same, spontaneous, innocent beauty and affection expressed so easily, so effortlessly, dreamlike and enchanting-I imagine there comes a time when you have learned your lessons so well you can do this with anyone.