Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

Flirtation in the 1950s

Times Have Changed

by Dan J. Harkey

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Let’s embark on a journey through time, shall we?

In the 1950s, office flirtation was perceived as a stepping stone to family formation and the American dream.  A flirtatious spark, a blossoming interest, a date, tick-tick-tick, a serious relationship, a proposal, marriage, wedding cake, kids, family, a home, two dogs and two cats in the yard, kids grown up, grandkids, retirement--the cycle repeats itself Let’s's fast-forward to the present day, when the landscape of office relationships has undergone profound transformation.

Remember to eat the wedding cake.  This is a pivotal point when habits, interests, and personalities sometimes change, in some cases dramatically, when the kids arrive.

The 1950s were an era of stability, conformity, and manners-influenced flirtation. Women were expected to be modest and feminine, while men were expected to demonstrate manners, chivalry, and financial stability.  The entire process was a social construct of the time.

Today, the potential legal ramifications of office flirtation are not underestimated.  What was once a pathway to romance has evolved into a complex web of legal implications.  The slightest inflection of interest in a female in the office could lead to a visit to the personnel office, a reprimand, and even an accusation. There is always someone in the office who is willing to witness and report.