Star Trek TOS: *Stablishes that the touching of hands is incredibly intimate in Vulcan culture akin to fully making out.*
Star Trek TOS: *shows us Spock holding Jim's hand while talking about the importance of his feelings.*
The fandom: *reads it as romantic.*
The writers: oh my god, that's crazy, where did you get that from?
Star Trek DS9: *Stablishes that, in cardassian culture, flirtation is done by arguing and bickering, that is how they show interest in another person.*
Star Trek DS9: *Constantly shows Garak and Bashir arguing and bickering, including a scene where Julian shoots at him and everything.*
The fandom: *reads it as romantic.*
The writers: OH MY GOD, THAT'S CRAZY, WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?