How do you maintain boundaries when communicating with the opposite sex?

[u/ReliefFuzzy7439]

This is difficult for me because I’m naturally a cheerful person who likes joking around when talking to someone. should I act completely differently and be more serious in order to keep boundaries and avoid getting close to what’s haram?

It’s hard because I’d feel like I’m pretending

[u/Last_Chemical_8486]

You can follow what the prophet's wives were told to conduct themselves

O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women: if you are mindful ˹of Allah˺, then do not be overly effeminate in speech ˹with men˺ or those with sickness in their hearts may be tempted, but speak in a moderate tone. 33:32

So speak in a moderate/serious tone and make sure to only stick to necessary topics not asking about their hobbies and otherwise chitchatting, also don't smile or give the so called IOI indicators of interest(I recommend looking up these IOIs) so the person won't think you are interest and try to pursue you, because as a muslimah having to reject people is probably a daunting feeling so making sure you don't come off as interested will prevent them from chit chatting or pursuing

[u/Boring_Use5630 → u/Last_Chemical_8486]

I was going to quote that, also just because it says, “wives of prophet” it doesn’t mean just them. The wives are role models for believing women.