Bridgerton-inspired alternatives to Netflix and chill
When in doubt fan and faint
It wasn't that long ago that a single woman seen alone with a man was cause for a scandal. So how did the youth causally court without setting their reputation on fire? They got creative and put our Netflix and Chill to shame.
Tea and see
Afternoon tea with a gentleman is always presided over by a disapproving auntie on the lookout for any whiff of impropriety. So, using only expressive eyes, a couple can have an entire conversation while seemingly discussing the weather or the House of Lords. Using the cups to gently tap out x-rated morse code to send a flirtatious "I like that ankle" will only add to the excitement.
Compliment his dress without distress
One spends hours choosing custom-made garments to impress one's peers. Therefore, it is not seen as too forward to complement a gentleman's cravat or remark on the flattering cut of his pants.As a result, a lady can actually breathe a little and not worry about ruining her reputation by insinuating that not only has she noticed a man's buttocks but that she is quite pleased by it.
Dance and take a chance
Waltz? Yes, please! On the crowded dance floor, while moving too fast for observant elders to see, a gentle squeeze of a partner's arm while holding each other a little closer than necessary is all in good fun, as long as both parties are into it. Otherwise, a sharp slap with a fan will put unwanted familiarity in its place.
Fan and faint
Fans are an often-used tool for seduction. The complex codes they send enable couples to cross the line of decency. First, the woman creates a signal for her lover so they know when she is about to make her move. Then, once they are close, she acts like she is trying to catch her breath as if her corset is too tight.
Following some delicate panting, she pretends to succumb to her feminine weakness and faints. Her lover should be there to catch her. Through this sly trick, they can enjoy the thrilling feeling of their bodies touching during the brief journey to the nearest couch where he places her. It's worth the smelling salts, I promise.
Promenade and poke
Strolling along the socially acceptable public avenues and pathways, the lady casually strolls beneath her parasol, enjoying the lovely day while maintaining a proper amount of distance between herself and her gentleman. Too far to touch with hands, but too far for a parasol. So when she laughs at one of his (hopefully funny) jokes, she can playfully poke him lightly with the end of her accessory.
But for goodness sake, let's hope she refrains from using her hand. Should anyone see, the whole town will be asking about wedding bells by dinner. There's no need to put a label on what she and the gentleman have yet. It's just courting for now.
Carriage and joke about marriage
Once a woman knows a gentleman well enough, she might be allowed to ride in his open carriage on Saturdays. The key is to be chill and not let on that she is into him. For example, she should make casual jokes about other recently married couples and how terrible the two of them would be in such a union. By keeping the jokes light-hearted, the young lady succeeds in maintaining a casual courtship and doesn't scare the gentleman off by being too clingy.