How to Hold Hands With Your Girl/Boy Friend

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you have a significant other, you know that there comes a time when you feel the urge to hold their hand. This is normal. It's okay to show affection and love to your significant other. Typically, couples start holding hands on the third day of "going out" at the earliest. Read on to find out more on how to hold hands, and how to react to your partner if they don't seem to want to hold your hand: Just try the next time you guys go out.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Know if he is not ready. If you are out to dinner, and he is across from you, you can reach for his hand over or under the table. If he pulls away, stop, he is not ready! You never want to push your partner into doing something they don't want to do. If you pressure him, he may feel awkward and break up with you. If you are sitting next to each other, you can easily hold his hand, without stretching your arms out. If you are watching a movie, or a play, he may put his arm around you. If so you can reach your arm out and rub his hand (the one on your shoulder, or his free one). He may bring his hand up, and you can lock fingers.
    • If he does pull away or seems uncomfortable with holding hands, STOP, and whatever you do, don't seem offended. If you do, he may feel like you are mad at him because of his opinion and that is not a good situation. You may apologize, or just slightly nod, and show you understand.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-1.jpg\/aid574997-v4-728px-Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":330,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":523,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This works well if you are sitting or walking next to each other, but make sure their hand is at their side. Hold your hand very close to theirs, even maybe touching a bit, but look straight ahead. Don't freak out or stare down at your hands.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-2.jpg\/aid574997-v4-728px-Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":330,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":523,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Try brushing your hand against theirs. Say that you want to compare your skin tones. This is a great way to get closer to holding their hand. Close it around their hand. This would be a good time to look up at them. If they just stare at you, smile. If they pull away, just quit all together. They are just not ready to do this yet.
    • Holding their hands and looking into their eyes can create a nice tension, which is perfect for a first kiss.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-3.jpg\/aid574997-v4-728px-Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":330,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":523,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your significant other seems to be enjoying themself, holding hands with you, this is good. They are comfortable with this, and if you think you are ready, intertwine your fingers in theirs. They will eat this up!
    • If your partner doesn't seem interested in holding hands, it doesn't hurt to ask what's the matter. It's possible that they're simply nervous or sweating too much.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-4.jpg\/aid574997-v4-728px-Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":330,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":523,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You are holding hands with your cutie! Yay! If they don't like it, don't worry! They are nervous and just not ready! If they pull away, do not try to hold hands with them again that day!
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-5.jpg\/aid574997-v4-728px-Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":330,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":523,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is a slower process. Do not move into this too fast. If you do, they will think that you are a creep and will make fun of you behind your back.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-6.jpg\/aid574997-v4-728px-Hold-Hands-With-Your-Girl_Boy-Friend-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":330,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":523,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's okay if they either jerk away, or look down. Everyone has their own speed. If you freak out they will understand. But just keep trying different days until they are ready. If you don't feel comfortable, you are okay! Holding hands isn't the most important thing to do in a relationship.
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What can I do if my boyfriend is ready to go to the next stage but I am not?
    Community Answer
    Then you let him know how you feel and you don't go on to the next stage until you are ready. Don't let anyone pressure you into anything you're uncomfortable with.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 15 Helpful 76
  • Question
    What should I do if my hands get sweaty when I am nervous?
    Community Answer
    Just inconspicuously wipe it on your side.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 24 Helpful 103
  • Question
    What if they don't want to hold my hand?
    Community Answer
    If they don’t want it hold your hand, don’t force it. They might just not be ready yet, or they might not like holding hands. Not everybody does.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 19 Helpful 76
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Show More Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you're feeling nervous about their reaction, try gently bumping their hand. If they reacts badly, just pretend it was an accident. If they reacts positively, look at them, smile, and hold their hand.
      • If you feel you’re smiling or blushing too much, just look out a window or at another nearby object. What I did was just close my eyes and breathe out, and he did the same!
      • Don't worry if your face gets really red. Lots of people think it makes you look even cuter!
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • This could possibly ruin a relationship if tried too early in a relationship, but typically not.
        Thanks
        Helpful 19 Not Helpful 3
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Have a Long Term Relationship
      How to
      Get Your Boyfriend to Move In
      How to
      Tell Your Date You Want to See Them Again
      50 Cute & Flirty Knock-Knock Jokes to Make Them Smile
      What 16 of the Most Common Hugs Mean
      How and When to Caress a Girl
      22 Subtle Ways to Touch Him to Show Affection (or to Turn Him On)
      18 Ways to Increase Physical Intimacy in a Relationship
      10 Ways a Pisces Man Shows He's Sexually Interested
      How to
      Give Romantic Hugs from the Front or Back
      How to
      Caress a Woman
      8 Ways to Interpret His Hug (Plus How to React)
      How to
      Hold Hands
      How to
      Hug Your Crush, Partner, Family, or Friend
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 129,638 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anel Brown

        Jun 5, 2021

        "He's talking about school and I listen quietly planning my move. I slowly hover my hand over his and he feels ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement