One day, a friend tells you that he recently met someone to whom he is attracted. He tells you that the person he met seems to be hinting that the attraction could be reciprocated but that he isn’t sure because the behaviors seem so indirect. Your friend wants to know why people would use indirect behaviors to express their attraction to someone instead of just coming right out and saying it. Knowing a thing or two about courtship and flirting, you would be most correct in saying which of these statements?

A. The person probably isn’t attracted to your friend.
B. People use indirect behaviors because such behaviors are safe and help the flirter avoid losing face.
C. People use indirect behaviors when they have not decided whether they really like the other person.
D. Indirect behaviors are harassing, and your friend needs to be very careful of the person’s intentions.

B. People use indirect behaviors because such behaviors are safe and help the flirter avoid losing face.