Coquetry whets the appetite; flirtation depraves it. Coquetry is
the thorn that guards the rose--easily trimmed off when once read more

Coquetry whets the appetite; flirtation depraves it. Coquetry is
the thorn that guards the rose--easily trimmed off when once
plucked. Flirtation is like the slime on water-plants, making
them hard to handle, and when caught, only to be cherished in
slimy waters.
- Ik Marvel (pseudonym of Donald G. Mitchell),

Women flirt to keep their stock high, men to get somewhere.

Women flirt to keep their stock high, men to get somewhere.

Coquetry is the essential characteristic, and the prevalent humor
of women; but they do not all practise it, because read more

Coquetry is the essential characteristic, and the prevalent humor
of women; but they do not all practise it, because the coquetry
of some is restrained by fear or by reason.

The coquets of both sexes are self-lovers, and that is a love no other whatever can dispossess.

The coquets of both sexes are self-lovers, and that is a love no other whatever can dispossess.

Flirting is the gentle art of making a man feel pleased with himself.

Flirting is the gentle art of making a man feel pleased with himself.

The pleasure of one's effect on other people still exists in age -- what's called making a hit. But the read more

The pleasure of one's effect on other people still exists in age -- what's called making a hit. But the hit is much rarer and made of different stuff.

In the School of Coquettes
Madam Rose is a scholar,--
O, they fish with all nets
read more

In the School of Coquettes
Madam Rose is a scholar,--
O, they fish with all nets
In the School of Coquettes!
When her brooch she forgets
'Tis to show her new collar;
In the School of Coquettes
Madam Rose is a scholar!

Such is your cold coquette, who can't say "No,"
And won't say "Yes," and keeps you on and off-ing
read more

Such is your cold coquette, who can't say "No,"
And won't say "Yes," and keeps you on and off-ing
On a lee-shore, till it begins to blow,
Then sees your heart wreck'd, with an inward scoffing.

There are times not to flirt. When you're sick. When you're with children. When you're on the witness stand.

There are times not to flirt. When you're sick. When you're with children. When you're on the witness stand.