Should I walk in front or behind her?

[yannick]

It's something that I always wondered. When a girl and I can't walk next to each other because the way is too narrow, I usually let her go first and then follow her. But sometimes I get the feeling that they would prefer me to go first to show that I'm not afraid to lead. Sometimes I'm behind and I feel like a little puppy following his owner.

[AZ1981]

Wow, great question! So, standing slightly behind and to the left is considered a subordinate position so technically by taking the lead you are subconsciously sending those signals. However, it's polite to let ladies go first. What a conundrum!

Personally... I like the guy to go first unless it's thru a door way or some other entrance or if we're being guided by a server, etc. But if you're pushing thru a crowd or entering a narrow path and you want to take the lead or she seems hesitant yet you feel weird about it you can always take the lead and reach back for her hand. I LOVE that! I get a little claustrophobic when it's super crowded and that just makes it all go away. =)

[missnicole]

AZ said it perfectly..when it comes to narrow passageways or going through a crowd, my boyfriend always walks ahead of me, leading the way while holding my hand... Then its up to him to "fight the crowd" or maneuver though a tight spot.

An additional thing that most people don't know when it come to the "customary thing to do"...when going up stairs, you should walk behind her...when going down stairs you should walk before her...the idea behind that is that is you are always on the step below her to catch or help her if she loses her balance ;)

[yannick]

Yes, I agree with you. However, I was talking about a girl that I'm going out with but who is not my girlfriend yet. I can't go first and hold her hand. Anyway what you guys (I mean girls) said is already what I do all the time. I let her go first unless the way ahead is crowded or something. I just wanted to check if some girls already felt a guy needed to step up instead of staying behind or if it was the correct thing to do. Thanks to all of you!

[missnicole]

Yup...if you're wanting to go for "custom" then youd walk ahead of her... For tight crowds, you can always take her hand and put it on your shoulder so that you don't lose track of her.

Even with just friends, I've held a guys hand as he worked though a crowd with me...were not holding hands to be sweet...we're just trying to not lose each other...so its not inappropriate...if you end up doing this, just let go as soon as you get where you're going.

[smith2267]

Nicole, some girls don't like to walk ahead of a guy going up stairs. Something to do with her butt being at his eye level, and sanitary pads showing, I guess--I try not to think about it.

[missnicole]

Its not in stone smith...like I said, most people don't know so its not a big deal. A guy would have to be incredible short or walking several steps below her to have his eye at her butt level, in which case he's being a jerk. And shed have to be wearing pads from the WWII era to be worried about it showing. As someone who wears high heels, I really do appreciate when a guy does it...I hate touching a banister...all the unwashed hands that touched it is something I don't wanna think about!

[samluk10]

it really depends on the environment! If it is safe and normal let her go first! But if she seems uncomfortable, you go first! Who walks first doesn't show a girl you can lead! not at all!

[Davidmurr1997]

Yes You can walk behind a Woman. If a Woman got a big booty, I will walk behind her so that way I don't want anybody touching her big booty and grabbing her big booty without permission.

[Anonymous]

I think the proper thing to do is to let her go ahead. "Ladies first", and all that.