I’m Flirting

Dear Universe,

I am perhaps the most determined flirt who ever made herself and her family ridiculous (thank you, Jane Austen).

But unfortunately it isn’t boys I’m flirting with. It’s a line.

A line between trust and avoidance.

Hope and delusion.

Discernment and laziness.

Perseverance and beating a dead horse.

Bravery and stupidity.

You see, Universe, I want to live life my way. Honor my talents and fulfill my purpose. Follow my rhythms instead of someone else’s schedule. Prioritize what gives me energy and release what doesn’t.

Wild concept, I know.

And for a long time now I’ve been trying to figure out how to do that. And for a long time now I haven’t had much success. Or rather, I have been living that way but I haven’t figured out how to sustain it.

I still believe, though. In myself and in you that I can make it happen. And make it last. That life I want is still end game.

Locking it in? That requires being bold. It requires flirting the crap out of the line. I have to bat my eyelashes and wear skimpy clothes. Send the winky face emoji and giggle at its jokes.

But I must never EVER take things too far. I need to ensure I never cross the line.

The problem is that I’m not sure if I’m able to see in the moment if I’m still just flirting or if I’ve already violated it.

I don’t feel like I have. I feel like I’m staying afloat while still following my gut and listening to my intuition. I’m stable-ish and haven’t become completely destitute… yet. I’m still trying to be careful.

But I have a sense that if I asked others on the outside looking in to describe what I’m doing, they’d say I’ve already stolen that line’s every virtue and condemned its family to ruin.

So that begs the question, Universe: how do I know if I’m flirting with the line or I’ve gone too far?

I’d be very appreciative if you could help me make sure I’m keeping it clean and staying on the right side of that damn line. And if I accidentally cross over, please help me realize it early before any scandalously patched-up marriages become necessary.

Thanks, Universe. And if you’re feeling really charitable, I’d take a Mr. Darcy to flirt with, too. Just sayin.

XO – Bailee

August 19, 2026