Dear Editor:

Flirting is a beneficial way to communicate or express emotions.

I agree with the online article “Flirting helps teens communicate,” by Elisha Quintana on Feb. 18, because flirting is a positive way to commence relationships. Also flirting is an easy way for people who are shy to communicate things that do not come easy for most.

I have personally experienced a difficulty in communicating, but flirting has helped me show my feelings without telling a person. Flirting is a less awkward way of getting to know the opposite sex. When you are shy your emotions are already running high and flirting helps release those emotions.

Throughout my high school years, I have witnessed many different techniques of flirting. The less effective techniques have been portrayed beautifully by freshman. The most common forms of flirting, smiling and laughing, have been taken to the extreme by underclassman. On the other hand, with age comes a more subtle effective way of approaching these opportunities.

I agree that flirting is a common means of communication, but in my opinion when people flirt it is intentional not accidental, contrary to common belief. Most people have the same methods of flirting but not the same timing. Timing differs with maturity level and relationship experience.

The advice I offer to teens who are less effective with flirting would be to not worry. With time and failure comes experience which is a key factor in communicating.