When on a date or in a relationship, do you walk ahead, behind or next to your partner?

Question

Most of the men I have been with walk next to me and we hold hands. However, two of the most recent, one being an ex now, have often walked ahead of me and that bothers me. We’d hold hands in public at least half of the time, but when we don’t they have walked extremely fast and hardly ever looked back to see what happened to me or acknowledged how far behind I am. I could have gotten kidnapped and by time they turned around to notice, I’d be long gone. I’d prefer the guy walk beside or closely behind me. I have shorter legs and it’s sometimes hard to keep up with long legged fast pace walkers. When we take the stairs, I walk slowly as to not trip but they’re already down the staircase and don’t even look back until they have reached the bottom. Is this just a bad habit of some people? I feel less protected around people like this and an article online said people who walk ahead like this are likely narcissists…

andreasderjuengere · Accepted Answer

I choose to walk as the situation requires:

- when strolling around with no aim - next to each other

- when walking on a narrow path - ahead, to clear obstacles

- when walking in traffic (pedestrians, or vehicles) - where I will cover her from being hit

- upstairs - behind... to admire her silhouette

- downstairs - in front; for ''etiquette''

- while shopping - at least two aisles away, to not make her angry with my comments

- on escalators - behind - to stare down admirers coming along in the opposite direction (which is a common necessity around here)

- at doors - ahead, to open them

- at doors with service personnel - in the back, to give a courteous preference

MrOracle · Accepted Answer

I normally walk about a half-step behind her, so that I am in the best position to deal with any threats, be they a yippy little dog, or kid on a skateboard or eScooter, a cyclist, a car, or whatever else. I walk closest to the street with her on the inside. We may hold hands, but she knows if I let go, there's a reason.

It's a little thing, but I take my role as the protector seriously. The other day, she tripped on a curb and nearly fell down, but I was in a position to grab her arm and keep her on her feet.

OlderAndWiser · Answer

Early in the relationship with the woman who is now my wife, I told her, "I don't want a boss and I don't want to be your boss. I want an equal partner. I don't want to walk behind you, and I don't want to walk ahead of you; I want you by my side." And then I showed her my coffee cup.

When on a date or in a relationship, do you walk ahead, behind or next to your partner?

I told her that I expect to be treated like a king in my own home. And then I gave her the cup I had for her.

I told her that she would be treated like a queen as long as she treated me like a king. And that established the tone of everything that came afterwards. On April 27, we were married.

Finchie40 · Answer

That is weird to be honest with you, Why would they walk ahead of you and leave you behind? If a girl did that to me? would be like ok , it was nice knowing you I guess my company wasn’t good enough for you , so just walk ahead and Leave me in the dust because this is definitely our last date. Whether someone is a fast walker or not , that isn’t an excuse to be disrespectful , I have never walked ahead of a girl on a date , I walk right beside her and focusing on her. So I wouldn’t continue dating someone that did that to me , they must be Narcissistic

Rei13 · Answer

My partner and I walk side by side. We started matching each other early on without thinking about it. Our legs will move in sync lol. I don’t like it when someone walks super ahead of me either

AviatorTom · Answer

It varies depending on where we are and what we are doing. We're next to each other most of the time. though sometimes she follows me, and sometimes I follow her. We usually swap when going through a door that I open and hold for her.

Lliam · Answer

Side by side. Often holding hands or with my arm around her waist or shoulder and hers around my waist.

If we are moving through a crowd, I usually go first and break a path, with her right behind me, sometimes holding hands.

If we are in a single file space, I usually let her go first and I follow protectively behind, sometimes with my hands on her shoulders.

JacobJordan · Answer

Everything is narcissistic these days it is pathetic. No reality is guys walk faster and take longer strides than women on average so if a guy isn't paying attention he will accidentally be ahead because he isn't used to measuring his pace when he walks

SeriouslyNotSerious · Answer

I walk beside him. But he is very tall and have big steps. 🙈 So when he holds my hand, it looks like he's taking me. 😂

Minky17 · Answer

I always walk beside or ahead of the men. Even with my ex - we will still go and do things and he will be nearby as like a bodyguard type and will walk beside me or behind me. I think he likes to walk behind me to look at my ass though.

integrale77 · Answer

If we get out the car she usually rushes ahead especially if I have to get something out the car so I have to play catch up be when I do we are side by side

DishLady · Answer

A guy who gives a * about you will walk beside you (and usually walk on the outer end of the street to “protect” you from traffic if he’s old fashioned). Even most of my cousins and guy friends do that with me. It’s a sign of caring.

BarryLiverstone · Answer

I walk next to her. Hold hands and we can talk. If we are in a crowded place I may walk just behind her so I can keep my eyes out and could have me hand on her back so she knows I am there.

sage2021 · Answer

He always used to walk fast and about 10 steps ahead of me. I felt like a little Japanese lady walking behind my man with my hands in the praying position. It makes sense to me.

sheenagwapa · Answer

with my ex before he would get so irritated at me because i just instinctively wanna protect him. i have to consciously remind myself not to do that

Billlewis · Answer

I usually walk behind her, carrying her belongings, which demonstrates that she is in control of the relationship and myself as well.

Simslover92 · Answer

Sometimes next to my partner and sometimes behind him.

bobby_bush_eater · Answer

Always side by side and I'm closest to the street, I like the old school gentleman stuff. Holding hands is a sometimes but either way side by side and I'm closer to the street

TommyMountainFigure · Answer

I cannot imagine being in a relationship with a woman and NOT walk alongside her!

LiamJHayden · Answer

Going down stairs in front. Going up stairs behind. Both in case she falls. Otherwise usually side-by-side.

stvigor · Answer

If your shopping at multiple places and know what you want maybe he, s in a rush to get back to spending together time with just you and him alone and is reckless about how you perceive it.

Razp_Sorbet · Answer

I'm 5'4 he's 6'4 im fast waking to keep up with his long strides 😂

ariadneR · Answer

Beside him holding his hand or he'll walk slightly behind me

red324 · Answer

You should stay side by side. How are you supposed to have a conversation when one person is lagging behind like a lost dog?

standardguy · Answer

Yes you are right that this behaviour is rude, i would say, if it done more than 3 seconds. Of course he should be on your side.

Anonymous · Answer

Out of respect, I'll walk near by, always. Just because. If I see someone I haven't seen in ages, I may speed up the pace. Or excited to go to an event, but that isn't out of disrepect.

MacDaddyRico · Answer

A man should always walk on the street side of the sidewalk, side by side with the woman

Anonymous · Answer

Good question. I like to think my wife will walk in step with me. But she doesn't We end up walking a few feet apart one in front, one behind

Anonymous · Answer

I virtually always walk BEHIND my spouse, never knowing when she will suddenly STOP

snowboarder720 · Answer

You walk by holding hands!

MemeSupreme · Answer

who pays attention to that lol

CrabCakes11 · Answer

Next to. I’m not his dog and he’s not mine

sheikalana · Answer

Next to my partner side by side always.

Angie03 · Answer

Next to unless you’re in Middle East.

elaphe · Answer

I walk next to my date.

DreamLife7 · Answer

They don't like hun

shortster · Answer

Most to the side

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