Tips For Making The First Move In A New Relationship

Culture and customs change throughout the decades and dating is one area that has turned upside down in recent years. Whereas years ago you may have gone to a bar to meet someone, now you can be on your couch in your pajamas and scroll through potential dates.

In addition, gone are the days of women batting their eyes and waiting to be picked up. Thankfully, women are being more proactive in their personal and professional lives. As a result, they are stepping up more in the dating game to make their preferences known as well as becoming more comfortable with asking someone out first.

People seem to enjoy this in relationships, as is evident by Bumble, which allows the woman to be the pursuer and reach out to their love interests first. Though some people enjoy being pursued, more women are opting to make the first moves in relationships, both online and in real life, and it may be easier than you think.

When dating to find a long-term partner, there needs to be a set of boundaries and goals. "It's so important that women know what they value in a partner and that they unapologetically look for those qualities when dating," therapist Dr. Lauren Cook told Hello Giggles.

A potential partner who not only accepts but embraces a woman making the first move could be a sign of a good catch. "When a person values a woman making the first move, it shows that they appreciate a woman's confidence, the sureness of herself, and initiative," explained Cook. Some ways to show interest include asking for a number or texting first, or simply just asking to grab a coffee or dinner. If nerves sprout up, quietly passing them your business card is a subtle way to express your interest.

On the flip side, any potential partner who is annoyed by women that are confident and assertive may be a red flag. "When a person is threatened by a woman making the first move, it may be an indicator of personal insecurities," Cook noted.

Even if you've already secured a first date or even a few dates, it's absolutely fine for a woman to make the first move. Whether it's leaning in for the first kiss or taking it further, most secure people appreciate and enjoy a woman taking the lead.

If you've thought about whether taking your relationship to an intimate level is a good and healthy move for you, weighing the pros and cons, and you are confident in your decision, there is no reason to deny yourself the opportunity. According to FloHealth, one of the best ways to do this is to be direct and tell your partner what you want, which is a turn-on in and of itself. It's also a good opportunity to let them know what they mean to you and why you want to move the relationship forward. 

Yet there are other non-verbal ways to let your partner know you're in the mood. You can text a suggestive message or send a pic while alluding to seeing them again. Another way is to use the art of touch to be loving and affectionate and let them know you are ready to take the next step.