By: Natasha Archary
Making the first move is a dating move that was until recently reserved for men. In a classic case of the hunter and prey, men were expected to be the first to declare their intention to a woman.
This was the norm in heterosexual relationships, which saw men steering the relationship from start to end. Yup, right down to the marriage proposal.
With times changing and the dating game evolving, women are now more open to taking that first step and asking a man out.
What this means is that the pressure has now lifted off men who may be apprehensive to approach a woman.
As more women are coming forward to speak out against sexual harassment, many men are mindful of the boundaries that have to be maintained.
More men are welcoming the role reversal and would love a woman to make the first move.
Role reversal
Bumble, the first dating app that puts women in control of the relationship, is one of the ways dating has changed.
Gone are the days when a woman waits around for a man to decide if they should or should not get together and what the parameters of the engagement are.
More women are taking the reigns in dating and relationships and it could make for a more successful love life.
This according to research which suggests 79% of men would prefer it if a woman took the first step and initiated things.
From the first date to the first kiss, asking for their number and even initiating sex, men love women who are confident and who don’t allow insecurities to hold them back.
In a 2015 study by Journal of Sex Research, many men don’t know when a woman is flirting with them. Men are not as adept at picking up on the cues that someone is interested in them.
A woman who is interested in a man will give subtle cues with her eyes, smile and even touch.
Women who make the move have successful relationships
If you’re looking for a partner who wants to have equality in their relationship, then making the first move may be a good way to gauge this.
It’s a mark that a man’s masculinity does not feel threatened by a woman who knows what she wants and who goes out to get it.
Whether it’s sliding into his DMs or staging a casual run in at his gym after work, research points to men being open to a woman making a move on them.
Of the men who were screened in the study, 3 out of 5 men said they would not reject a woman who approached them. As long as you’re not badgering them to say yes, a man may be obliged to say yes ladies.
Also read: Point of View: Maintaining your individuality in your relationship or marriage
