Making the first move

By the time you get to this stage there should have been plenty of signs indicating that the object of your desires is reciprocating your interest.

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So you're now ready to make a move...

If you're sure you want to take things further you need to establish whether the other person is also interested. This involves 'excuse' touching - this is non-threatening, non-sexual tactile behaviour. Excuse touching allows you to show the other person that you're interested and offers them the opportunity to respond.

'Excuse' touching

It can take any form from briefly letting your hands touch when picking up a menu to touching their arm whilst talking to them. This demonstrates that you are interested, if the other person feels the same way they will respond by also finding an excuse to touch you or allowing the touch to be prolonged.

Be aware of responses to your 'excuse' touching - if you've tried this several times and the other person has not returned these touches the chances are they are probably not interetested in taking the relationship to the next stage.

If you are interested in the person who is 'excuse' touching you then make sure you respond if you're interested. Don't convinvce yourself that you've imagined it and not return the gesture otherwise they will think that you're not interested and back off.

If they do not want to take the relationship any further they will not respond and the relationship is likely to remain platonic.

The kiss

This allows you both to establish your interest in each other without outwardly expressing it. As the initial touches have been accepted you can then be more outwardly tactile, grabbing their hand when crossing the road etc.

These touches allow you both to feel confident in your attraction to each other and you can then make your 'first' move, the kiss.