Signaling

[cjsmith]

This morning I was thinking we need a way to signal straight.

Let's say I'm wanting to flirt with a chick. Let's say I don't know whether she's straight or not, and she doesn't know whether I am either. And it's way too early in this tentative teeny tiny flirtation here for the soul-searing horror of having to BRING IT UP IN CONVERSATION. That might let her know what I'm thinkin', see, and that's scary.

So I can signal not-straight. I can wear rainbow stuff, or triangles (how outdated!), or a number of other things. Some have the added advantage that few non-queer-friendly folk get the message. It's like a secret code. And with every single one of 'em I can deny that I made a point of sending the message at all. Oh, no, I always wear my Michfest T-shirt on odd-numbered Tuesdays.

If I'm in luck, and she's not only not-straight but might be interested, my hypothetical cute gal can signal back. But she doesn't have any code she can send back, subtly, without loss of face on either side, to say she's straight. She can oh-so-casually mention a current or previous boyfriend, but that's awkward -- it commits the sin of bringing the subject closer to ACTUAL CONVERSATION, which as noted before is verboten this early in the game. Plus it does not successfully signal not-bi.

I suggest pinstripes.

Comments

MY T-shirt reads:

[just-cyd.livejournal.com]

"Would Welcome Ass Tappery from CJ's Powerful Cleavage"

naturally, that won't do squat when in the vicinity of HPC.

Re: MY T-shirt reads:

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I am so glad I wasn't drinking anything carbonated!

Nah, for HPC you might have to go with a Michfest shirt.

Re: MY T-shirt reads:

[just-cyd.livejournal.com]

I am so glad I wasn't drinking anything carbonated!

SCORE!!!! *does a funky end-zone dance*

Nah, for HPC you might have to go with a Michfest shirt.

that, my bi-pride necklaces or my rainbow dancing women (http://www.northernsun.com/cgi-bin/ns/1554N2.html) tshirt. but it's cold here now, so i'll have to make a point of having my coat unbuttoned or off for her to see what i'm wearing. a little pharmacy aisle striptease, hmmm?

Re: MY T-shirt reads:

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Hee! Michfest is more recognizable, I think... bi-pride can go completely unnoticed even in queer heaven, oddly enough. *snork*

I dunno if you guessed, but HPC inspired this post. There should be signals for all this stuff, darnit! I mean really! She could easily signal back with something small, even if she has to wear a uniform at work.

Re: MY T-shirt reads:

[just-cyd.livejournal.com]

bi-pride can go completely unnoticed even in queer heaven, oddly enough.

oh, believe me, i know. *rolls eyes*

I dunno if you guessed, but HPC inspired this post.

no, i didn't! i just figured you'd found a new plaything, or had a coworker you were trying to de-code.

She could easily signal back with something small, even if she has to wear a uniform at work.

i always look for jewelry. necklaces, earrings, rings, etc. multiple earrings could mean anything, but charms on necklaces are usually a little more straighforward (er, um, uh, you get my meaning!). i don't recall her wearing huge crosses or crucifixes, so that's a good sign.

i'll head back this week sometime to check her out (and fish for feedback on the 'nana bread), and report in. ;-)

Re: MY T-shirt reads:

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Nope, I don't have anyone in mind at all. I was hoping for good communication for you. :-)

Let me know how she liked the banana bread!

Re: MY T-shirt reads:

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

Cold weather and thin shirts can go just fine together. :)

Re: MY T-shirt reads:

[just-cyd.livejournal.com]

mmm, yes, there is that. ;-)