Handshake, Hug, Kiss? How to Greet Someone on a First Date

It’s so natural to be nervous about how to greet someone on a first date. There’s already a lot riding on this get-together, and we know you want to make it as smooth as possible.

What if you go for a hug, but they go for a handshake? What if you try to kiss them, but they turn away?

Straight off the bat, we’re here to tell you it doesn’t really matter as much as you think it does!

We’ve broken down the most common approaches to greeting a first date and our top tips for making a great first impression to take the stress out of finding the one.

Most Common Ways to Greet Your Date

People tend to take three main approaches when greeting anyone for the first time: a humble handshake, a friendly hug, or a European kiss on the cheek. 

Here’s why we think you should or shouldn’t use these approaches on a first date.

Shaking Hands

Shaking hands is a perfectly cordial and respectful way of greeting someone for the first time. If you’re hosting a business meeting or attending a job interview, giving a firm handshake is ideal, but it doesn’t convey romance or attraction.

While there may be some dates where a friendly handshake is an acceptable greeting, we’d recommend staying away from it altogether to avoid making your date think the date’s over before it begins.

If you’re not comfortable with a hug or kiss, a friendly smile and a compliment can be a great greeting.

A Friendly Hug

If you’re feeling a bit more confident, a friendly hug can be the perfect way to greet a first date. Initiating physical contact conveys attraction and affection that gets the date off to a great start without going as far as a kiss.

Remember, it’s important to read your date’s body language as you try to initiate the hug to make sure they’re open to it, too. There’s no shame in backing out of the embrace if they’re not feeling it.

Going in for the Kiss

For ultra-confident first dates, you can always go in for the kiss straight away. This is far more common in continental Europe, but it’s not unheard of in the UK.

There are a few important caveats to note when planning on going in for the kiss from the jump… Never go for the lips immediately. A kiss on the cheek is much more appropriate and affectionate. Judge whether a kiss would be appropriate from your online or text interactions. We’d recommend asking prior to the date if they’d be amenable to the idea. Be hyper-aware of their body language. If they pull away or tense up, abort the mission and swerve to a hug instead.

Our 5 Top Tips for How to Greet a First Date

We’ve taken our years of dating experience to provide you with 5 top tips to help you nail your first date greetings and match the comfort level of your date partner to make the encounter a success that leads to second dates.

1. Be on Time

Being punctual for a first date demonstrates respect for your partner’s time and underscores your interest in the meeting. It sets a positive tone for the date, showing that you’re reliable and considerate.

Arriving on time avoids unnecessary stress or anxiety and ensures you both start on a good note. 

Making a strong first impression can significantly influence the date’s success and the potential for a future relationship.

2. Maintain Eye Contact

Maintaining eye contact during a first-date greeting reveals confidence and sincerity. It’s a nonverbal way of expressing your interest and attentiveness toward the person you’re meeting.

Eye contact invites a connection, opening a channel for genuine communication and establishing mutual trust from the outset. 

Furthermore, it reinforces that you are engaged and present in the moment, setting a foundation for meaningful interaction.

On the other hand, failing to make eye contact could be interpreted as disinterest or discomfort, hindering the possibilities of a promising connection.

3. Be Aware of Your Body Language

Your body language on a first date speaks volumes before you even utter a word. It’s crucial to convey interest without crossing into the realm of being perceived as creepy.

A relaxed posture, open stance, and genuine smiles signal openness and attentiveness without invading personal space.

Conversely, crossing your arms, lacking eye contact, or constantly checking your phone can make you appear standoffish and disinterested.

Striking the right balance in your body language can encourage a comfortable and engaging atmosphere, making both you and your date feel more at ease.

4. Follow Your Date’s Lead

Following your date’s lead is paramount in ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for both participants. 

This approach respects boundaries and consent, allowing both parties to express their comfort levels with physical contact and conversation topics.

Mirroring your date’s body language and engagement level sets a mutually agreeable pace, fostering a sense of safety and understanding. 

It prevents any awkwardness or misunderstandings that could arise from assuming consent or interest.

5. Be Respectful of Boundaries

Respecting your date’s boundaries – and your own – is fundamental on a first date because it establishes a foundation of trust and safety.

Recognising and adhering to personal limits not only demonstrates empathy and understanding but also promotes a comfortable and open environment where both parties can genuinely connect.

How to Greet a Girl on a First Date

Greeting women on a first date requires a fine balance between showing interest and not appearing too forward.

A warm smile, coupled with a polite “Hello” or “It’s great to meet you”, sets a positive and respectful tone.

If the initial interaction feels warm and welcoming, opt for a brief, casual hug. 

Always be mindful of the other person’s body language and reciprocate accordingly. If unsure, a friendly wave or a nod can also suffice.

The key is to keep it light and natural; this shows that you’re glad to be there without imposing too much too soon.

Key Takeaways Always be attentive to her comfort level and respond accordingly. Respect personal boundaries at all times. Genuine, respectful gestures and conversation are key to a positive first impression.

How to Greet a Guy on a First Date

Greeting a guy on a first date without appearing too standoffish or overzealous strikes a fine line that leans heavily on subtlety and genuine warmth.

A smile that reaches the eyes paired with a gentle “Hey, nice to meet you” can set the tone for a welcoming yet balanced interaction.

If a hug feels right, based on the vibe and possibly previous communications, play it cool to keep things balanced.

In environments where a physical greeting might feel awkward, a wave combined with a bright smile can also effectively convey your pleasure at the meeting without encroaching on personal space.

The most important elements are to maintain a relaxed demeanour, be attentive to the guy’s body language to gauge his comfort with physical contact and ensure that your greeting reflects a happy medium between interest and respect for personal boundaries.

Key Takeaways A brief hug or cheery wave can be appropriate when first meeting. Most importantly, authenticity in your greeting conveys genuine interest. Match his energy and comfort level to ensure the greeting is well received.

Summary: How to Greet Your First Date Without the Awkwardness

In other words – read the vibe! You’ll know from your initial messages what sort of person you’ll be meeting, so just go with what feels the most natural.

And the truth is, your date is probably fretting about this as much as you are, so there’s no need to stress about it. Just remember to be yourself and show genuine interest in getting to know them.

To find more dating tips and advice, why not check out our blog so you’re ready to go when that special someone pops up?

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