How to greet a tinder date?

[Anonymous]

So I've never been on a date before but bagged myself one on tinder.

Just gonna go go to a casual diner for dinner, how do I greet a date? A handshake would feel like a business meeting. A smile could work but doesn't help break the touch barrier, a hug feels like something you do with your friends when drunk or saying bye to loved ones at the airport.

[Lovelinefan]

Congrats, first of all!

You're right about the importance of how to handle this initial moment where you finally meet this person for the first time. Depending on how much of a connection you already have (meaning, have you spent hours texting or talking on the phone already and feel like you already have a good connection, or have you only exchanged a few messages to arrange this date?) you might feel comfortable with a friendly hug, or if there's not a real connection yet, I'd go for the handshake honestly.

A handshake is a physical connection, a sign of confidence, polite, and doesn't put her in an uncomfortable situation of having to hug some guy who's basically a stranger if she doesn't feel comfortable yet. Don't make the handshake a big thing though, you don't have to impress her with a super tight grip and overly enthusiastic full arm shaking, that would make it awkward.

As you greet each other for the first time, casually extend your hand as you introduce yourself. Don't make it feel like she's shaking a dead fish, be firm but gentle and be making eye contact with her. It will happen fairly naturally (people are used to shaking hands with people they are meeting for the first time) and will break the touch barrier you speak of.

Don't sweat it though, just make it natural and be confident! You got this, man!

[Asker]

We matched yesterday, we got some pretty lengthy conversation going and then I found out what she does and she knows what I do. Thought it was getting dead so left it at that and said I was heading out for the day. Messaged her this morning wishing her a happy NY, she replied. I was worried it was getting dead. Then I felt she was hinting at a date because she replied 'so you've got some free time'. And then felt I may as well ask her now so I can see where I stand. Surprisingly she said yes and replied really quickly. Suggests to me she at least finds me attractive to reply in such a way. I guess I can hug her and smile. I'm always worried girls might look different to their photos but she's had some decent ones so hopefully there's no shocks! I matched once before with a girl who invited me round but she looked nothing like the photos!

[Chanel1981]

I always evaluate the situation once I meet the person. I would say a smile and a brief hug are both appropriate if you're feeling it! Happy New Year and best of luck!

[XRabbitHeartX]

I've always, always been hugged or given a hug to a Tinder date. Me and my boyfriend (we met on Tinder!) hugged right away and I never felt it was awkward or weird.

[Kgbmafia]

I just smiled and said hi when I met my boyfriend 😂😂😂