Should we assume all men are taken unless proven otherwise?

That's what i do now. Honestly, I still kind of enjoy flirting and bantering, but I don't take these interactions with them seriously anymore. It's all for fun

All men are scrotes until proven otherwise. Flirting is fun, but I definitely would not give them that validation they crave unless they have proven themselves worthy of your time. Time is money and your time is a valuable and unreplenishable resource. If a man is legitimately interested, he will make himself known, whether you let him know if you are available or not. Think about all the unwanted advances when you aren't interested. If they wanted to, they would. Think of yourself as a queen and they should be so lucky to have your time, dive into hobbies that make you happy. For me, it's art, reading, cooking (there's something very grounding about a well prepared meal) and quality time with friends.

Eh it could be a good idea. Personally I just wouldn’t take the initiative with men in the first place.

You're only the "other woman" if you sleep with the man. A HVM who is taken won't flirt back. Listen to the podcast ep. on Flirting Strategies.

Men need sex. So he's getting it from somewhere whether it's a girlfriend, wife, FWB, or prostitute. I used to think men had single times like I always do, but it's simply not true. They always have another woman lined up when they break up with one woman. Then flirting with you whilst being involved shows you how they're always on the lookout for the next vagina. They'll keep you as a friend, and when their girl leaves or dies, it's your turn. Men say this a lot about women that, "She's not yours, it's just your turn." But that's male's projecting their own actions onto women. Most women are very sad and broken up after a break up, and it takes time to move on. Most men are in someone else's bed prior to the breakup even.

yes.

It’s a safe assumption he’s got a partner and you’d be a side piece. Imagine how few women would get played if they operated from this presumption? This is why the good advice to “leave the moment his energy towards you changes” is so important. His energy changes because it is going towards his main woman. I swear every “Is he into me?” query is this exact scenario, she just doesn’t have a clue he has a girlfriend.

Me:

It's actually pretty good idea.