is being able to flirt important skill to have?

Posting here as I imagine a lot of autistic women struggle to flirt as well. I’m really bad with flirting and making it known to anyone i’m dating that I like them. I grew up with parents who do not get along, showed no affection towards each other and sleep i separate rooms, so I find it hard to express my attraction for someone. In my head I can see myself doing it, but when i’m actually in a situation that requires me to flirt, I can’t bring myself to do it, it feels fake and performative and I feel like I’ll exhaust myself trying to flirt. I’m also afraid of getting rejected so I hold back.

I was recently dating a guy and we both liked each other but the chemistry was not really there, so he ended things as he felt that he needed chemistry sooner whereas i’m more about

building connection over time. When we dated, he was constantly questioning if I was attracted to

him, I was attracted to

him and tried to reassure him but I’m better at saying rather than flirting like playfully touching him. I’m also bad at eye contact so i’m terrible at using my eyes to flirt. I tried to explain this to him but I think he was really insecure and he just concluded I didnt like

him. This is the first time a guy I dated questioned my attraction towards them, but now I’m thinking it might have not worked out with other men because they felt the same but just chose not to say anything.

How important is it to flirt? I show my attraction for someone through other ways, eg verbally or actions like baking them treats. I would like someone who’s patient with me and gives me time to get more comfortable with flirting, and understands why I am the way I am as I don’t want to act like something I’m not.