Hug or Handshake on a First Date? Which Is The Better Choice?
When meeting women for the first time, is a hug or handshake on a first date appropriate? Which makes a better first impression? I say go for the hug, always.
A guy on Reddit posted a question; "hug or handshake on a first date meeting?" This got me thinking about what I do when I meet women for the first time. I've never really given it a thought; I always go for the hug.
Yes, there have been times when my date reached her hand out for the dreaded handshake. Ouch. But the majority of times I greet my date with a hug. My advice; go for the hug. I'll show you how.
Forget a Handshake; Go for a Hug!
I can't believe people even think twice about this. Don't sweat it. Just go for it. Don't hesitate because women will see you fumble around and then it gets awkward.
You need to know how to give an appropriate "first date" hug. When going for the hug, follow these simple steps:
- Be Enthusiastic. Think positive. As silly as it may seem if you think positive thoughts you'll have a positive mindset and attitude.
- Gauge her reaction. Don't force the hug. Some women will reach out their hand first. If that happens, fine. Shake her hand. She's not comfortable giving you a hug which is fine.
- Smile as your approach and say "Hi" or "Hey". Show her that you're excited to meet her.
- Go for the hug. Just open your arms and let 'er rip!
- Watch your hands. Keep your hands on her back and shoulders. Absolutely NO ASS grabbing and don't squeeze her tight either. Be gentle.
- Keep the hug short. Don't do it too long and make it awkward. Don't be a creep.
Women Prefer Hugs Over Handshakes!
Match.com surveyed 5,000 singles and discovered women are perfectly fine with a hug on the first date.
82% of women were happy with a hug and to top it off, 71% expect a kiss on the cheek at the end of the date.
Sometimes a Handshake Is Your Only Option.
I do NOT like handshakes when I meet a woman for the first time, but I realize a handshake is going to happen every once in a while. Sometimes your date may do a preemptive handshake to stop a hug. Yes, it happens.
There have been times that I approached my date, smiled, showed I was happy and before I even opened my arms for the hug, she offered her hand for a handshake like I was on some damn job interview.
Fine. No problem. Don't let it change your attitude.
Remember this, it's always what your date's comfortable with. Respect a woman's choice. You can tell by her reaction as you approach which type of greeting she favors.
If you must shake hands make sure you have a firm handshake. Confident men have firm handshakes, so it's in your best interest to stand tall, look her in the eye, smile, and confidently shake her hand.
Shy or introverted people have loose handshakes. Weak handshakes aren't a good first impression.
And for goodness sake, make sure your hand isn't sweaty.
Final Thoughts
Do you go for the hug or handshake on a first date? I recommend a huge is the best choice; always. You're meeting for a first date, not some business function.
It's pretty standard these days and rarely will you find a woman who doesn't give you a hug. Don't act like you are hugging some long-lost love and make it awkward, though. Keep it light.
And never use a "good to meet you" hug as a means to fondle your date.
Remember, respect her boundaries. If she offers her hand, merely give her a nice firm handshake. Don't think anything of it.
You are still a stranger you know, and not everyone is comfortable hugging strangers. If this happens, take it as a challenge. Maybe by the end of the date, she'll feel more comfortable and willing to give you a hug as you part ways.
For more first date tips visit my blog post; 5 Ways To Make a Good First Impression On A Date With A Woman.