Regarding taking hints, the other gender typically does not see all the false positives one has to deal with. What seems obvious is usually not obvious at all. In fact, a socially skilled person will always try to use plausibly deniable (i.e., not-obvious) signals and will consider anything more a gauche faux pas. Acting on such signals is therefore inherently risky and is nowadays perhaps considered more risky than it used to be, especially at work and around close friends.
For example, a few years ago, a woman I had great rapport with called me her Valentine in a very charming way. You might say that’s an obvious signal, but when I tried to make plans with her she said that’s just a thing she does for friends and family and there was no special meaning to it. Some people are out to get your romantic attention, but ultimately want to keep you at arm’s length.
Regarding taking hints, the other gender typically does not see all the false positives one has to deal with. What seems obvious is usually not obvious at all. In fact, a socially skilled person will always try to use plausibly deniable (i.e., not-obvious) signals and will consider anything more a gauche faux pas. Acting on such signals is therefore inherently risky and is nowadays perhaps considered more risky than it used to be, especially at work and around close friends.
For example, a few years ago, a woman I had great rapport with called me her Valentine in a very charming way. You might say that’s an obvious signal, but when I tried to make plans with her she said that’s just a thing she does for friends and family and there was no special meaning to it. Some people are out to get your romantic attention, but ultimately want to keep you at arm’s length.