Ridiculous History
Victorians Got Super Weird With Flirting, Part One: "Fan Fiction"
Feb 4, 2025
Dive into the quirky world of Victorian flirting, where rigid social norms turned romance into a game of secrecy and subtlety! Explore the whimsical use of fans as communication tools, translating gestures into forbidden messages. Discover unique methods like postage stamp placement and flower symbolism, allowing lovers to express feelings discreetly. The discussion contrasts Victorian customs with modern dating dynamics, highlighting the absurdity of love across time. Get ready for a fascinating journey through the playful intricacies of courtship!
41:26
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Quick takeaways
- Flirting during the Victorian era was a complex act of rebellion against rigid societal norms, often requiring creativity and coded language.
- The use of floral symbolism and secret communication methods like fan language showcased the lengths individuals went to express affection discreetly.
Deep dives
The Nature of Flirting
Flirting is presented as a fundamental aspect of human interaction, serving as nature's method for choosing suitable mates among potential partners. This concept spans across species and reveals how ingrained courtship behaviors are in our genetics, linking them to the basic survival instincts such as fight or flight. Humans, unlike other animals, often complicate the flirting process due to psychological factors, leading to a more nuanced and sometimes ineffective communication approach. This leads to the acknowledgment that flirting, although a natural instinct, can become convoluted and challenging in social contexts.
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