Women Should Stop Making the First Move

Let’s hear it from the guys themselves.

Shayma Popova
4 min readJan 30, 2023

We all know the traditional script: guys make the first move, they ask you out, they plan the date, and they pay the bill. But lately, more and more women are breaking away from that script and taking the lead.

And while this can be really empowering for women, it can also make some guys feel uneasy.

“I was once asked out by a girl and to be honest, her confidence and assertiveness astounded me. However, I was unsure of how to say no and how she would react to it so I ended up agreeing to the date despite my reservations. Took me weeks before I could tell her I am not interested.”

-Caleb

One reason why some guys might feel uncomfortable with women making the first move is that it challenges their traditional beliefs about gender roles. Guys are often brought up to believe that they should be the ones to initiate contact and pursue women, so when a woman takes on this role, it can make them feel like they’re not fulfilling their traditional role. They might feel like they’re not doing their job or that they’re not man enough. And honestly, it can be a little confusing for them. They might not know how to react, or they might feel like they’re not in control of the situation.

“I have to say that it depends on the individual situation. I have met women who have taken the lead and initiated the contact or made the first move, and it was exciting and made me feel good. However, there were also times when the approach was too forward or aggressive, and it made me feel uncomfortable and turned off. It’s really a matter of how it’s done, and it’s crucial to respect the other person’s boundaries and make sure that both parties are comfortable with the situation.”

-Robert

Another reason why some guys might feel uncomfortable with women making the first move is that it can make them feel like they’re being objectified. Guys are often seen as the pursuers in a relationship, and when a woman makes the first move, it can make them feel like they’re being viewed as a prize to be won, rather than a person to be respected. They might feel like they’re being judged solely on their looks or their status, and that’s not a great feeling. It can be demeaning and make them feel like they’re not valued for who they are as a person.

“I enjoy taking the initiative and making the first move. While I wouldn’t reject a woman if she made the first move, I also find the process of pursuing and trying to win someone over to be an exciting and enjoyable experience. The back and forth of trying to entice a potential partner is something that I find to be a fun and engaging part of dating.”

-Nelson

Now, it’s important to note that not all guys feel this way. Some guys might find it refreshing and appreciate the change of pace. They might find it exciting and flattering that a woman is interested in them. But, for those who do feel uncomfortable, it’s important to understand that these feelings are rooted in traditional gender roles and societal expectations. It’s not about the woman or her actions, it’s about the societal pressure that men should be the ones who initiate and pursue.

“Personally, I believe that everyone should be free to express themselves and make their own choices, without being restricted by societal expectations or gender roles. I find confident women who are open about their desires and intentions to be incredibly attractive, as it eliminates the need for guessing games or mind games. It makes for a much more straightforward and enjoyable dating experience.”

-Nick

Ladies, let’s get one thing straight — it’s totally okay to go after what you want. But, if a guy tells you he’s not comfortable with you making the first move, it’s important to respect that and not push the issue. Instead, try a more subtle approach or wait for him to make the hint. It’s all about being respectful of the other person’s feelings and comfort level.

And for the guys out there, just because a woman makes the first move doesn’t mean she’s trying to take over the world or emasculate you. It’s just her being confident and going after what she wants.

And isn’t that hot?

The key is to communicate and find a way to connect in a way that works for both of you.

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Shayma Popova
Shayma Popova

Written by Shayma Popova

I write truths about dating and relationships as a Content Manager for https://odessawomen.com/

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