Why Seduction Isn't A Dirty Word

In times of instant gratification, the lines between seduction and harassment are blurring fast. We help you differentiate, and re-discover the joys of true seduction.

- Esther Perel

Thanks to a long overdue cultural reckoning, our society is now laser-focused on how women are treated in all aspects of life. Much has been said about sexual harassment in the workplace, but less discussed is what’s appropriate outside professional settings. This has left many people confused about the boundaries between seduction and harassment on a romantic level. When it comes to flirting, what’s considered an acceptable come-on, and what’s crossing a major line?

The shortest, most basic answer is this: if you feel complimented, you’re being seduced. If you feel degraded, you’re being harassed. Of course, real life isn’t always so black-and-white, and there can be times—say, at a bar, party, or even online—when the distinction may not feel so clear. Perhaps you can’t fully decide whether you feel flattered or offended, or both, by how someone has approached you. In those cases, use the following guide to process your emotions and proceed accordingly.

RECOGNISING SEDUCTION

Seduction is a beautiful form of flirtation that implies an appreciation and respect for you, the person being seduced. It can make you feel praised, wanted and enchanted, and because it hints at the possibility of a consensual relationship or sexual experience, it can also rouse your imagination about the exciting romantic potential ahead.