Sexual Harassment vs. Flirting

Sexual Harassment vs. Flirting

Sexual harassment makes the receiver feel:
  • bad
  • sad
  • demeaned
  • ugly
  • powerless

Sexual harassment results in:

  • negative self-esteem

Sexual harassment is perceived as:

  • one-sided
  • demeaning
  • degrading
  • invading

Sexual harassment is:

  • unwanted
  • power-motivated
  • illegal

  Flirting makes the receiver feel:
  • good
  • happy
  • flattered
  • pretty/attractive
  • in control

Flirting results in:

  • positive self-esteem

Flirting is perceived as:

  • reciprocal
  • flattering
  • open
  • a compliment

Flirting is:

  • wanted
  • equality-motivated
  • legal

From: Sexual Harassment and Teens, by Susan Strauss, with Pamela Espeland, Free Spirit Publishing, Copyright 1992, ISBN 0-915793-44-X.

Originally Posted: November 3,1997 | Last Reviewed: January 3, 2003
Mitch Kutzko