Why do guys grab your waist?

[Anonymous]

We were walking up the stairs and there was a moment where I got tired so I stopped. This guy was a little behind me, when he catched up he used one arm and grabbed my waist pulled me close to him so we could continue walking. After a little while he stopped. But some minutes later I grew tired, stopped and he did the same thing. We were alone on those stairs. Is this is a sign that he likes me?

[Oliverlogan263]

Aah man, that's tricky. Grabbing your waist out of nowhere like that isn't really cool on his part. Especially doing it a couple times when you were tired.

On one hand, I guess it could be a sign he's into you. Like wanting an excuse to touch you or get close. But it also feels kinda disrespectful if he didn't even ask, you know? Like you're alone and he just puts his hands on you without checking if it's okay first.

If it was me, I don't think I'd make a move on a girl like that. Better to try talking and flirting first, get a vibe if she's into it before being all physical. Now you probably feel weird and uncomfortable too.

I'd say have a word with him - be like "hey man, what was up with the waist grabbing? I didn't appreciate being touched without asking." See how he reacts. If he gets defensive or doesn't apologize, major red flag. But if he's respectful and sorry, maybe it was just poorly judged and you guys can start fresh from there.

Either way, don't let dudes make you feel uncomfortable like that. Speak up for yourself - your boundaries are important. Just wanna make sure you feel safe and respected, ya know?

[Asker]

Well he is a friend of mine. he's not a total stranger thats why it really wasn't uncomfortable for me. Does that change anything in your opinion?

[Oliverlogan263]

Ah yeah, if he's a friend that changes things a bit. Since you already know him, the waist grabbing is probably less about trying to feel you up and more just trying to be playfully intimate in a friend way, you know?

Guys can have a tougher time showing affection non-sexually sometimes. So if he's comfortable with you already as a friend, that physical closeness might be his way of flirting now that there could be more between you. Especially if you've hung out one on one before with no issues.

I'd say the signs to watch for are still how he acts when you're together - maintaining eye contact, trying to make you laugh, finding excuses to casually touch hands or arms during conversations. If he's stepping up the friendly attention, he's probably feeling you out as more than a friend now.

Unless he's usually grabby with other friends too, then who knows. But I'm guessing since you're OK with it, he sees an opening to show interest. Go with your gut - if you're feeling it, see where it leads! If not, let him know you just see him as a pal. Either way, enjoy!

[ProbablyClueless]

It seems like a lot of men feel ludicrously comfortable invading women's personal space like that. No real sense of boundaries. I'm not sure what causes that, but it creeps me out.

I have no idea why a man would grab a woman's waist.

[tfan1]

I think it was to steady you so you wouldn’t fall. The waist is mid point so easier to control balance.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I think it's a sign he likes you.