Hand-holding is a pretty intimate gesture, so it may not feel entirely appropriate to do it on the first date. It really depends on how comfortable you and your date are with physical contact.
If both of you feel a bit shy on your first date, holding hands can be a great way to connect emotionally.
But if one of you is more reserved or uncomfortable with public displays of affection, then it may be best to wait until you both feel more comfortable with each other after a few more dates.
Now that I’ve gotten the short version of the answer out of the way, here’s all I’m going to cover in the rest of the article;
- Reasons it’s not weird to hold hands on a first date,
- Reasons why you might want to wait before holding hands,
- Tips for making the most out of any hand-holding situation,
- Other ways to express intimacy without taking things too far.
Each point will be addressed in detail so that you have all the facts to decide when it’s right for you and your date to hold hands.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in whether or not holding hands on a first date is weird.
So let’s get started!
Reasons It’s Not Weird To Hold Hands On A First Date
Whether you feel ready to take the plunge or are still on the fence, there are a few reasons why holding hands on a first date might not be that weird.
1. Holding Hands Is A Great Way To Feel More Connected
Physical contact has been shown to trigger the release of oxytocin, also known as the love hormone.
This hormone helps people feel closer and more attached to one another. If you’re looking for an easy way to create intimacy on your first date, holding hands might be just what you need.
2. It’s A Gentle Way To Show Affection
Sometimes it’s hard to say what you truly feel, but hand-holding can be a great nonverbal way to communicate your feelings.
Whether you’re just starting to develop feelings for each other or have been together for years, holding hands is a sweet and gentle way to express your affection.
3. It Can Help To Break The Ice
If you and your date feel a bit awkward, holding hands can help you relax and make conversation easier.
Touching each other’s hands can provide an instant connection that helps to break the ice on the first date.
4. It Signals That You’re Interested
Holding hands on a first date is also a kind of signal that you are both interested in each other.
It shows that you value the connection between you and want to take things further and explore your relationship in more depth.
5. It Can Lead To More Intimacy
Finally, holding hands on a first date can also be seen as an invitation to explore more physical intimacy.
It’s a great way to take things further if you both feel comfortable, but it’s important to remember that hand-holding doesn’t have to lead to anything else if you don’t want it to.
These are just a few of the reasons why holding hands on a first date might not be that weird. Of course, there are also some valid reasons why you might want to wait before taking this big step.
Reasons Why You Might Want To Wait Before Holding Hands
Of course, there are some reasons why you might want to wait before holding hands on your first date. Here’s what to consider before taking the plunge.
1. It Can Make Things Awkward If One Of You Isn’t Ready
It can be an incredibly awkward situation if you reach for your date’s hand and they don’t reciprocate.
Nobody wants to feel rejected or embarrassed on the first date, so it might be best to wait until you both feel more comfortable with each other before attempting any kind of physical contact.
2. It Could Set Expectations
Although hand-holding can be a great way to show your interest, it might set expectations too high if things get serious too quickly.
If you don’t feel ready to explore more physical intimacy, it’s best to wait before taking this step so that neither of you feels pressured into something you’re not sure about.
3. You Don’t Have To Rush Into Anything
Finally, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to rush into anything on the first date.
While hand-holding can be a great way to express your feelings and take things further, it’s also okay to wait until you both feel more comfortable with each other.
Tips For Making The Most Out of Any Hand-Holding Situation
If you do decide to hold hands on the first date, here are a few tips for making sure that everyone feels comfortable;
1. Ask Before You Reach Out
It’s always polite to ask before you reach out and take your date’s hand. This will give them the chance to say no if they’re not ready or don’t feel comfortable with physical contact.
2. Hold The Hand Gently
When you do take your date’s hand, it’s important to hold it gently and not squeeze too hard. This will make sure that they don’t feel uncomfortable or pressured in any way.
3. Talk Through Any Questions You Have
If you’re unsure about anything, it’s important to talk through any questions or concerns that you have with your date. This will ensure that everyone feels comfortable and that neither of you is in for any surprises.
4. Give Each Other Time To Adjust
Hand-holding can be an intense experience for both of you. It’s important to give each other time to adjust and make sure that everyone feels comfortable with the situation.
Other Ways To Express Intimacy Without Taking Things Too Far
If you don’t feel ready to hold hands or explore more physical intimacy, there are plenty of other ways that you can express your feelings for each other without taking things too far.
1. Spend Time Sitting Close
Spending time sitting close together is a great way to show that you’re interested in each other without having to take any big physical steps.
2. Give Each Other Compliments
Giving each other compliments is another way to express your feelings without having to take things too far too quickly.
3. Take Your Time
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to rush into anything on the first date. Taking things slow will give both of you the chance to get to know each other better before making any big decisions.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your date to decide whether or not it’s weird to hold hands on the first date.
If both of you are comfortable with taking this step, then go ahead and enjoy the moment.
Otherwise, there are plenty of other ways to express your feelings for each other without taking things too far.
No matter what you decide, remember to have fun and make sure that everyone is comfortable with the situation.
That way, you can enjoy the moment and focus on having a great time together.
