If your date has found little ways to initiate gentle physical contact, like playfully pushing you or grabbing your arm, they are more than likely open to holding hands. [1] X Research source
Also make sure your hands are clean and moisturized. Super dry hands or hands that smell are an even bigger turn off than sweaty hands. [3] X Research source
Try taking a walk on the beach, going for a hike, or taking a stroll down the street. You may have people around you, but strangers will most likely not pay attention to the two of you, giving you the privacy you need. A movie theater is a great place to initiate hand-holding. Since you are sitting right next to each other, your positions are very conducive to holding hands. The darkness adds a layer of privacy and may help if your date is shy. [5] X Research source
Make sure you don’t lurch forward and scare your date trying to take their hand. You don’t want to give off the wrong impression at this early stage in your relationship. You can also try gently rubbing your hands down your date’s arm before you link your hands. This gives them a heads up before you grab their hand and adds a nice, more intimate touch to your initial hand-holding. If your date pulls away, don’t force the issue. It may be that they aren’t interested, but they may also just be shy and is not quite ready to hold hands. Don’t take it personally and try to make them feel comfortable in the situation. You’ll get there eventually. [6] X Research source
For the more intimate moment, consider gently rubbing your thumb across the back of their hand. This adds a layer of affection to your grasp and it lets them know you are enjoying the activity without you having to tell them. If they return the gesture, you know you’re doing it right. Try not to hold too tight. This can be uncomfortable and cause both of your hands to sweat.
You can also try walking closer to them while you are walking. The physical proximity, added with the eye contact, will make you seem interested and responsive to their presence.
You can do a kind of hand-holding test run by grabbing your date’s hand and leading them somewhere, dropping it when you’ve reached your destination. This way, you hold hands for a short while but it isn’t as nerve-racking as officially holding hands. [7] X Research source
If you’re in a theater, place your arm and hand on the armrest, palm facing up in invitation. You can also let your hand drop over to their side on the armrest. Your date should take notice and get the hint that you want it held. Claim your hands are cold. Tell them that your hands are cold or ask them to feel if they are. Hopefully, your date will see if they can help warm them up. This is a cute, flirtatious way to get your date to hold your hand. Ask if you can compare your hand sizes. Bring your hand up in the air and when your date raises theirs, gently place your palms together, comparing the sizes. This gets your date’s hand close to yours and is a subtle way to let them know you want to hold their hand. [8] X Research source
Confidence and initiative are attractive qualities, so being the first to grab your date’s hand lets them know that you are interested in them and that you want to become closer. [9] X Research source
