Flirting is one of the most human impulses there is. Even the word’s etymology points to how long we as a species have been doing it: It stems from the 17th century French idiom “conter fleurette,” meaning telling gallantries. Flirting is an evolutionary necessity. It’s the peacocking that leads to relationships, which (crudely put) lead to reproduction.
Obviously, having children is far from the only reason people pursue sexual or romantic relationships, but the point stands: Flirting is a quintessentially human — or well, animal — behavior.
All generations flirt, of course, but their approaches may naturally differ. It makes sense. For Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, flirting as young people, they would possibly have had to call a love interest’s home (and actually talk to their parents) or meet at dances.
Millennials will have started their romantic lives meeting people in bars and frat parties, before pivoting en masse to The Apps. Digital native Zoomers may have only known the DM slide for a large portion of their lives, and are now increasingly craving in-person dating experiences. Not to mention the impact of cultural shifts in gender and relationship politics on people’s flirting habits.
