I’d argue ignoring their advances while being aware isn’t a very friendly thing to do. Not that you’re obligated to act on their advances, just don’t pretend to be a friend.
As with all things interpersonal, there is a vast grey area. You can offer your continued friendship and they can offer subtle hints as to their romantic desire as long as they like. Things can also come to a head at any time either party desires. No one is hostage to the situation.
It depends on not just what one defines as friendship, but also on one’s capacity to be a friend to others, whether this is cruel or kind on either end. I understand what result I’d like out of our continued association, and producing that result is usually mutually beneficial. If they intend more than that, is on them to bring about.
Inertia is natural. Leading someone on is active and offensive. Not reciprocating or acknowledging unwanted advances is usually not.
I suppose it depends on the advances. If it’s just flirting, then flirt back or don’t are both fair. If it’s a confession of feelings or asking them out, ignoring those can be pretty cruel, though it can also depend on the person.
I imagined the person asking to have been given subtle hints. More laughing than expected, cute comments, probing questions. But all of that could be construed another way, so waiting for them to make a move is entirely reasonable. But that’s my sleep addled assumption and not necessarily reality.
I’d argue ignoring their advances while being aware isn’t a very friendly thing to do. Not that you’re obligated to act on their advances, just don’t pretend to be a friend.
As with all things interpersonal, there is a vast grey area. You can offer your continued friendship and they can offer subtle hints as to their romantic desire as long as they like. Things can also come to a head at any time either party desires. No one is hostage to the situation.
It depends on not just what one defines as friendship, but also on one’s capacity to be a friend to others, whether this is cruel or kind on either end. I understand what result I’d like out of our continued association, and producing that result is usually mutually beneficial. If they intend more than that, is on them to bring about.
Inertia is natural. Leading someone on is active and offensive. Not reciprocating or acknowledging unwanted advances is usually not.
I suppose it depends on the advances. If it’s just flirting, then flirt back or don’t are both fair. If it’s a confession of feelings or asking them out, ignoring those can be pretty cruel, though it can also depend on the person.
I imagined the person asking to have been given subtle hints. More laughing than expected, cute comments, probing questions. But all of that could be construed another way, so waiting for them to make a move is entirely reasonable. But that’s my sleep addled assumption and not necessarily reality.