Nothing wrong with joking or being social. I don’t think flirting is offensive either but it’s uncomfortable for others to watch, kind of second hand embarrassment. It’s ok that men approach you and you can be friendly but if you get to the stage of when you feel like flirting then I think you could do it privately with a guy you like, not in front of the other people.

I really doubt you’d say to a woman that you are too pretty to pay for drinks, unless you want a particular kind of attention. So that’s why the issue isn’t as much being friendly as being certain kind of friendly, seeking certain kind of attention from men, at least it appears that way.

And I think the guy said you owe him a drink because you likely flirted before. It’s a flirtatious interaction and you likely wouldn’t interact with women in this manner. We have somebody at work who is impossible at outings because she can’t stop flirting. It’s annoying. Everyone hates it. Not pleasant. Yet other people also joke and laugh and it’s not bothersome as it’s not flirting.

I am not sure how explain the difference. I think in case of heterosexual woman if you choose phrases and poses and manners with men that you wouldn’t use with women, then you are flirting. If you are interacting exactly the same with both genders then you are just being friendly. Just notice how you interact. No you don’t need to run from men. Just if you are romantically interested then let the guy know and flirt with him in private. Like if you aren’t into that guy why flirt. If If you aren’t interested, then be friendly and polite but don’t flirt.

And don’t make statements about your looks. People don’t usually like it. If you are pretty, people already know. Why say it?

Just my opinion of course. I’ve been around the block and then some