Who Do You Think Makes The First Move, Man Or Woman?

Two singles make eye contact across a bustling room. There’s an undeniable pull, a spark of attraction.

Now, you might think it’s the man who’d step forward first. But, based on a study from Bucknell University, the story unfolds differently.

In reality, men often need a significant amount of eye contact before they gather the courage to approach. Women, on average, had to throw 13 short, direct glances his way to make the magic happen!

And there’s more. Before a man even thinks about walking over, he’s busy engaging in what researchers term “space maximization movements”.

Essentially, he’ll try to appear larger and more dominant by stretching his arms, spreading his legs while sitting, or casually placing his thumbs around his belt loops.

While these actions might seem random, they’re his way of displaying confidence, even if he’s feeling nervous inside.

According to psychologist Monica Moore, the eyes are the starting point of every successful romantic connection. She identifies three main types of gazes that play pivotal roles in the dance of attraction:

1. The Room-Encompassing Glance: It’s a brief 5-10-second scan where you raise your chin slightly, arch your back, and perhaps even accentuate your posture.
2. The Short Darting Glance: This is more direct and intended for one special person. It’s a glance that is repeated just enough to be noticed.
3. The Gaze Fixate: The boldest of the three, it’s a direct and lingering look, lasting more than three seconds. Adding a smile? Well, that’s the secret to getting him going.

One might wonder if beauty is the primary factor here. Do the most gorgeous women in the room always receive the most attention? The answer is a resounding “no”. Approachability trumps beauty.

Another fascinating study showed that women of similar attractiveness were approached differently based on their body language.

Those who emitted over 35 signals an hour had four men approach them. In contrast, those with less inviting body language were rarely approached.

So, for all you single ladies in your 40s, this is your takeaway: it’s not just about looks. It’s about the vibe you radiate. Closed body language or an unapproachable attitude can deter potential interests.

Fortunately, being approachable can be learned. You can cultivate it by becoming more aware of your body language and adjusting it to appear more welcoming.

A simple exercise is practicing holding the gaze of strangers as you walk by. Yes, it feels weird at first. Guys might look away. But with time, you’ll grow more comfortable, and when the real moment comes, you’ll be ready.

To recap, don’t be too quick to believe that it’s always men who make the first move! With the right signals and open body language, you have the power to steer your own romantic destiny.

See also: Guy Stares At You And Then Quickly Looks Away… Meaning?