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Making a move can mean showing interest, asking someone out, or initiating physical contact. You can make a move by asking permission, or by expressing interest. You might try your luck spontaneously on the dance floor, or you might have spent years dreaming about your best friend. No matter what kind of move you'd like to make, a little observation beforehand and a little checking in as you go will help things unfold naturally.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Making a Move on a Date

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  1. Whether you're in a theater or at home on a couch, a movie can be a great moment to instigate physical contact. Take her hand lightly. If she likes you, she'll hold your hand back, or give your hand a squeeze. If she doesn't, she'll move her hand away.
    • If she holds your hand or moves closer to you, you can put an arm around her and see how she reacts to that. Ask if it's okay if you can't tell what she wants.
  2. Saying goodbye is a great moment to make a move, because there is a quick exit strategy for both of you. This is probably the best move to make on a first date. Make sure it's clear that you're leaving, so she doesn't feel pressured. If you're driving, drop her off and walk her to her door. Make it clear you don't expect to be invited in.
    • Go for a hug and a kiss on the cheek first. [1] If she moves away, squeezes you quickly and lets go, or seems otherwise uninterested, thank her for the nice evening and leave. If she holds on, moves closer, or offers you her lips, kiss her.
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  3. If you're on a date and you're taking a walk together, or going from one place to another, you can initiate some low-stakes public intimacy. Try holding hands, putting an arm around her shoulders or waist, or just touching her arm. She'll probably move away if she's uncomfortable, but ask to make sure.
    EXPERT TIP

    John Keegan

    Dating Coach
    John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.
    John Keegan
    Dating Coach

    Pay attention to her reactions to you. As your conversation flows, gauge her comfort with physical touch. For instance, offer to gently put your arm around her while walking. If she respond positively, it could lead to further physical connection.

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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Making a Move at a Party or a Dance

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  1. If volume allows, strike up conversation. If it's absolutely too loud to talk, trying can at least be humorous. If you're getting along, ask her if she wants to step outside or find a quieter spot. What you talk about isn't too important. Make sure you ask lots of questions, so that she gets talking. If you're talking most of the time, she'll probably think you like yourself more than you like her. [2]
  2. If you like dancing, or don't mind dancing, you can ask while the music is fast. Dance casually, separately at first. You can offer to twirl her or otherwise dance while touching in a friendly way after a song. When the music gets slow, hold your arms out or ask if she'd like to dance.
    • If you can't dance, or have been talking and feel ready, ask her to join you for a slow song.
    • You can hold her close during a slow song, as long as she seems comfortable. Don't squeeze her or force her against you, however. Ask if she's good when you're in position.
    • If the dance is going well, you can try moving your face close to hers and wait for her reaction.
    • Don't grab her on a whim. Even if she's into you, she might not be into blatant public groping.
    • Ask first. Don't just start dancing against someone you don't know.
  3. Parties can be difficult to navigate. Skillfully obtaining something for her that she wants will make you look competent and thoughtful. Unless you have actually figured out what she wants, make sure you ask first. Handing someone a drink they don't want can make them feel pressured or misunderstood.
  4. You don't need to make a physical move immediately. Make conversation and leave a good impression. Get her number or give her yours. If you're nervous, chat with your friends or remind yourself you are not obligated to score. Don't drink to combat nerves, or you'll just get nervously drunk.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Making a Move on a Friend

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  1. While there's no definite way of knowing how she feels about you without explicitly asking, you can get a better idea of how she feels by paying attention to how she behaves around you.
    • Notice how she dresses on a regular basis compared to how she dresses when the two of you spend time alone. If she dresses up when she is with you, then she might be attracted to you.
    • Pay attention to whether she leans in to you when she is speaking and whether she touches your arm or leg while she is talking to you. [3] These are possible signs that she is flirting.
    • If she always chooses to sit on the opposite side of the couch or pulls away from you when you try to hug her or dance with her, then she's probably not interested.
    • Notice how she looks at you. Does she smile at you? Do you catch her looking at you when you're in a group?
    • Does she laugh at your jokes when other people don't? She may be laughing because she likes you and your goofy moods cheer her up.
    • Check to see that she wants to be alone with you. If she wants you to make a move on her, then she will suggest doing activities that allow the two of you to be alone.
    • If she only wants to spend time with you when others are around, then she might prefer your friendship as it is.
  2. With a friend, you really don't want to mess up by coming on too strongly. As your friend, she cares about you, and she might be scared of hurting your feelings. If you can't tell whether or not she likes you from checking the signs, you should ask before you make a move.
    • Asking can be just as fun and sexy as going for it. Enjoy the awkwardness. Ask in person, or write a note.
    • You can say any of the following: "I think about you a lot. I like you. I've been trying to figure out if you like me back, or if you're just a really great friend. It's cool either way, but—if you like me, let's go out sometime."
    • Add some compliments. Go for romantic rather than sexual, as you don't want to make her uncomfortable if she just wants to be friends. Compliment her style or say she has beautiful eyes, a great sense of humor, and a special way about her you just can't put into words. [4]
    • Be prepared for a yes! Have a date plan. Ask her somewhere beautiful, where you can be alone without the rest of your friends showing up or tagging along.
  3. The "Friend Zone" is an idea that was made up by guys to scare other guys. It has nothing to do with how girls actually feel. You don't have to rush it: once you know you like a girl, you can make either make a move or tell her how you feel.
  4. Once you have established that your friend is attracted to you, your move might happen naturally. If you feel the need to plan, though, try extending one of your normal friendly interactions. Sometimes friends who are mutually attracted get into weird physical habits, like always hugging more than necessary, or giving each other massages, or wrestling. If you're doing something like that, try stopping the action and making eye contact.
    • If you always hug, make your move by holding on. If she freezes or moves away, let her go. If she gets closer or holds on to you tighter, you can try for a kiss.
    • Check in after. If you make a physical move, make sure she is enthusiastically consenting.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Establishing Enthusiastic Consent

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  1. Consent means that she can legally agree to sexual activity. [5] Sexual activity includes anal, vaginal, and oral sex, as well as touching, watching porn, kissing, or showing parts of the body. She can only give consent if she is sober, awake, and mentally able. Someone who is drunk, high, passed out, or mentally incapacitated cannot give consent.
    • Consent must be freely given. Someone who is being pressured cannot give consent. If she is scared of you, or someone else is pressuring her, or if you are older, or if you have any power over her, she cannot give consent.
    • If you are more than two years older or younger than her, it may be illegal for you to make a move on her, or for her to make a move on you. [6]
    • Check the laws of age of consent in your state before you make a move on someone who isn't your age.
  2. Once she has given verbal consent (from "yes!" to "absolutely! yes! totally! that's what I want!"), check for physical signs and listen to her tone of voice. She should initiate sexual activity, respond to your touch, and seem relaxed and excited. If she does not respond, she might not actually be into it. If she turns away or moves away from you in any way, she might be telling you "no." [7]
    • Stop immediately if she gives any signs of withdrawing consent.
    • If she seems hesitant, but says she is ready, try going slowly.
    • Make a game of it. Take turns initiating touch, or have her tell you what to do.
  3. Before you kiss, touch, or otherwise make a move on someone, ask if they would like you to do it. This can be awkward, but it can also be fun, and it can save you both from a really bad experience. Once you know she likes you, you can ask in a sexy way.
    • For instance, say "May I kiss you?" "Can I hold you?" "I'd like to touch you there. Would you like that?"
    • Remember, consent can be withdrawn any time. If she said "yes" to one thing, it doesn't mean "yes every time" or "yes to everything else." Keep checking in.
  4. Once you have done something new, ask how it feels. Say "does that feel good?" or "do you like that" or "should I keep going?" Even when you're doing something you've done before, it's good to check in. Something that feels good one day might not feel good the next. [8]
  5. Take no for an answer. If she says no, back off. If she says something like "not now" or "maybe later," that also means no. Back off if she doesn't say yes. [9]
    • Once you've made your move, and she doesn't encourage you, back off. She'll tell you if she changes her mind.
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      Tips

      • Remember that if she wants you to make a move, she'll try to make it as easy as possible for you to do it. If you find yourself unable to find the "right" moment even after several dates, then it might be because she's trying to prevent the moment from arising.
      • Only do what feels natural. Try not to plan out what you're going to do beforehand and instead just go with the flow. If you feel uncomfortable making a move, it will show.
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      Article Summary X

      To make a move on a girl, wait for a moment when things feel unforced so you don't take her totally off guard. For example, when watching a movie, try taking her hand lightly and waiting for her to give your hand a squeeze. If she responds positively, put your arm around her and see if she snuggles in. Another good time to make a move is when you're saying goodbye. For instance, go in for a hug or a kiss right before you go home. However, if she moves away or seem uninterested, thank her for a nice evening and leave. Whenever you're unsure about how she feels, ask if she's okay with what you're doing to build trust and respect. To learn how to make a move on a friend, keep reading!

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