Flirting - why?

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I am a woman with AS who just does not understand the point of flirting. I have an online friend who flirts with me whenever we talk and it makes me uncomfortable. I'm pretty much asexual and with no sex drive (for reasons unknown). I don't flirt. I don't "get" flirting. I find it extremely forward, aggressive, annoying and even threatening. Why do people do it? Why does my friend do it? What is he trying to convey and why won't he stop?

If I'm interested in someone I would just sit down and have a straightforward rational conversation with them, not turn every damned thing into a sexual innuendo.

Is there something wrong with me? Why do people flirt and why am I not interested in doing this?

Flirting is a way to enjoy romantic or sexual feelings without being serious about them, or to hint at wanting to be serious and test the waters (someone who reacts poorly to flirting can be assumed to be uninterested in more). Some people like it, others don't. Someone flirting with you is probably hinting at something if they keep doing it when you're not even flirting yourself.

You certainly don't have to take it if it's too forward for your tastes. Flirting doesn't give anyone the right to tread on your boundaries.

Tell him to stop.
If he doesn't, that's harassment.

I feel affection for my friend and wouldn't mind a relationship with him (how, in my situation?)...except that he flirts. I'm going to be very clear with him the next time we talk, to stop. Things could progress better without all the flirting going on.

I think there are different kinds. I think NTs will mostly flirt for sexual reasons. When I flirt with somebody I do it to see if they are interested and to connect with them. As I'm also more or less asexual, the intention is never to get sex, rather to form an attachment. I prefer to do this for a while before I talk to somebody. Feels less intimidating, and less chance of rejection once you get to the "talking" stage.

I don't get flirting, it feels like mirthful hostility to me.

Just tell him you don't like it, it's really that simple. A good friend would respect your preference and stop.
I do have a sex drive and I'm not sure why either. I'd rather have people get straight to the point than play games. I'd like people to be clear with what they mean.

Innuendo isn't necessarily flirting behaviour. Some people do it because they think that they are being funny, which is not surprising because of all the innuendo in sitcoms. It's really low brow humour if you ask me.

Flirting is more subtle and comes naturally when you fancy someone. Overly sexualised remarks made to friends is just creepy.

There's nothing wrong with you.

To me flirting is a game…a freakin' mating ritual. I'm not good at it, don't pick up on it when women flirt with me. It's just not ME. Sometimes my timing is exceptionally good and it works…but that's extremely rare. I prefer just hanging out and getting to know someone, talking with her and finding out what turns her on (in every sense, of course, but mainly I'm talking about her interests). That can open up a line to flirting, but flirting is NOT necessary. If it's not you, don't force it.

Psychologically it IS aggressive and threatening, and I think the emotions flirting evokes serves to heighten sexual tension. That's really all it is. If your goal is to sleep with someone soon after meeting them, flirting is good. But personally I think it's cheap. If the person you're flirting with is no deeper than that, why even waste the time with them? If you're just having fun and that's as far as it goes, it's not a big deal. It's only a problem when it stops being fun.