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About this quote

What does it mean?
Wilde observes that a woman will flirt publicly as long as others watch, suggesting flirtation is performance-driven.
In plain terms
He says a woman flirts when people are watching.
What can you take from it?
Flirtation often seeks an audience.

Where it applies

  • social gatherings
  • online dating

Putting it to work

  • be aware of audience effects
  • focus on genuine connection

Questions to consider

  • Why do people seek attention when flirting?
  • How does audience presence change behavior?

Another view

Not all flirtation requires an audience; private intimacy exists.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. To define is to limit.

    Permalink to quote #101
  2. To get back my youth I would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early, or be respectable.

    Permalink to quote #103
  3. To be popular one must be a mediocrity.

    Permalink to quote #100

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