20 Subtle Hand Gestures to Make Your Date Fall for You – Guaranteed!
Do you want to learn some subtle hand gestures to make your date fall for you? Try these, and they’re guaranteed to make your date unforgettable.
Have you ever noticed that there are subtle hand gestures to make your date fall for you? It’s a fascinating aspect of dating that often goes unnoticed. Imagine you’re at a quaint cafe, engaged in a delightful conversation. As you speak, your hands expressively complement your words, adding a layer of warmth and sincerity. Unbeknownst to many, these small gestures can weave a silent spell of attraction.
Little do people know how their own hands can help them become more enticing in a dating situation. No, it does not involve you touching the other person in weird places, but rather, using hand gestures to further improve your chances at winning in the dating game.
Now if you’ve watched an episode of Lie to Me, you probably have a good idea of how gestures and non-verbal cues could tell a lot about a person.
These cues give a subtle glimpse of the person’s personality, motives, and whether they’re telling the truth or a lie. But let’s skip the blinks, grimaces, and shuffles for now, and focus on the hands.
Hand gestures are very noticeable and are usually used to help convey a thought when speaking, but it could also give clues about your disposition during an intimate conversation with your date. [Read: 40 date questions that’ll definitely lead to great conversations]
The Science of Hand Gestures in Romance
Alright, let’s hit the pause button for a moment and dive into something really cool – the science of hand gestures in romance. Think of your hands as your personal love language interpreters, silently but effectively working their magic.
These subtle flicks, waves, and touches aren’t just random movements, they’re like secret codes to unlocking hearts.
Understanding the power of these subtle hand gestures can seriously up your dating game, turning ordinary moments into something straight out of a romantic comedy.
In the realm of attraction, non-verbal cues play a starring role. Albert Mehrabian’s 7-38-55 rule of personal communication is illuminating here.
This theory suggests that only 7% of our communication is verbal, with 38% coming from tone of voice and a whopping 55% from body language, including hand gestures.
This means that how you move your hands on a date can speak louder than the words you use, subtly influencing the emotional tone of your interaction.
Body language, a key component of non-verbal communication, is particularly crucial in dating scenarios. It’s not just about what you say, but how your body, especially your hands, aligns with your words. [Read: 37 Secrets to read people by their body language and expressions instantly]
Subtle hand gestures can indicate interest, openness, or even nervousness, providing your date with cues about your true feelings, often unconsciously.
Research in the field of non-verbal communication has shown that specific hand gestures can convey a range of emotions. A light touch can signify comfort and care, while open palms can express honesty and openness.
These gestures are pivotal in creating an emotional connection, as they signal confidence and interest in your date, often more effectively than words could. [Read: Cold feet on a date – 12 ways to gain confidence]
Mirroring, a psychological concept where one person subconsciously imitates the gesture, speech pattern, or attitude of another, plays a significant role in building rapport. In dating, this can manifest in subtly mimicking the hand gestures of your date.
This mirroring can create a sense of harmony and understanding, fostering a deeper connection. It’s a dance of gestures, where the subtle mimicry of hand movements can create a powerful, unspoken understanding between two people.
Your Hands Tell Who You Are
Keep in mind that you’re aiming for the best impression you could muster. That’s why it’s important to know the subtle hand gestures to make your date fall for you. [Read: 30 Secrets to make a good first impression and impress anyone in minutes!]
So, take note of these general rules in using hand gestures to give your date the right idea about you. Like all things, using hand gestures inappropriately could be worse than not using them at all!
1. Know Your Mannerisms and Adopted Gestures
Prior to learning about this, you probably adopted a habit of using hand gestures of your own. Remember that you need the good ones that give a good impression.
So, take note and learn about your own hand mannerisms and avoid using the gestures that would put you in the wrong side of your date’s graces. [Read: Signs you’re ruining your first dates unknowingly]
2. Don’t Overdo It
Use hand gestures sparingly and decisively. Think of it as a finishing touch to your words in a conversation or a playful indicator when you want to elicit a reaction.
Don’t just flail your hands around every time you utter a word. If you do this, your date will either think that you’re Italian or you have a severe case of epilepsy.
3. Keep Your Hands Out of Your Pockets
Of course, you can’t use hand gestures if you keep them hidden in your pockets. [Read: Simple tips that’ll make you a lot more charismatic]
Not only does it make you appear like a creep fondling god-knows-what, but it also gives the impression that you are secretive and insecure.
If you’re not doing anything with your hands, it is best that you adopt a neutral position like letting them hang at your sides or resting them on the table.
Subtle Hand Gestures to Make Your Date Fall for You
FACT: Hand gestures can be used as a supplement to conversations or as a form of non-verbal display, like the metaphorical gorilla beating his chest. People who use hand gestures are often perceived as more youthful, intelligent, and honest.
1. The Gentle Point
Picture this: You’re deep in conversation, and something grabs your mutual interest. Instead of a broad gesture, you point with one finger, subtly steering your date’s attention. [Read: Body language attraction – 59 male and female signs and how to read and use them]
It’s like a gentle nudge in the conversation, less invasive than a full-hand point, and perfect for highlighting shared interests.
This gesture not only shows your engagement but also respects personal space, fostering a sense of mutual respect and collaboration.
2. The Thoughtful Chin Rest
Imagine you’re listening intently. By resting your chin on your hand, finger thoughtfully against your cheek, you’re non-verbally telling your date, “What you say matters.” [Read: Ways to be a much better listener in a relationship and read their mind]
It’s not just about looking interested, it’s about being genuinely immersed in their words. It conveys empathy, attentiveness, and deep contemplation, making your partner feel truly heard and deeply valued.
3. Sideways Glance with a Hand Frame
There’s a playful moment, and you catch your date’s eye, framing your face with a hand while giving a coy, sideways glance. It’s a classic move in the flirting playbook, perfect for moments of jest or light teasing.
This gesture adds a layer of fun and intrigue to the conversation, signaling your playful side and inviting your date into a more flirtatious exchange, enhancing the chemistry between you two. [Read: 13 Step-by-step eye contact flirting moves to catch someone’s eye ASAP!]
4. The Subtle Sleeve Adjust
You’re gearing up for a heart-to-heart, and as you subtly adjust your sleeve, it’s like signaling a shift in tone.
This non-verbal cue is a preamble to deeper dialogue, indicating you’re getting comfortable and setting the stage for a more meaningful conversation.
It’s a subtle yet powerful way to show that you’re transitioning from small talk to sharing more personal, heartfelt stories or opinions, fostering a sense of intimacy and readiness for a deeper connection. [Read: Emotional connection – 38 signs, secrets, and ways to build a real bond]
5. The Wrist Reveal
In the midst of a passionate point, you turn your wrist up, a subtle yet vulnerable gesture. It’s a non-verbal cue of honesty and openness, almost as if you’re offering a part of yourself.
This gesture invites trust and emotional intimacy, signaling that you’re not just sharing opinions but also revealing a more genuine, unguarded side of yourself, thereby deepening the connection with your date.
6. The Supportive Clasp
As the conversation flows, you gently clasp your hands together, resting them on the table. This simple act is a strong visual anchor, portraying engagement and commitment to the moment. [Read: The subtle moves and consensual steps to let a guy know he can touch you]
It shows that you’re not just physically present but also mentally and emotionally involved in the interaction. This gesture conveys a sense of support and attentiveness, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and interest.
7. The Curious Tilt
As your date speaks, a slight tilt of your head not only shows that you’re listening but also that you’re genuinely interested. This small, subconscious movement speaks volumes about your engagement level, signaling curiosity and empathy.
It makes your date feel valued and interesting, transforming a simple conversation into a meaningful exchange. [Read: Male body language – 48 subtle signs to instantly read a man’s thoughts]
It’s a powerful non-verbal cue that can greatly enhance the sense of connection and understanding between you and your date.
8. The Guiding Touch
Picture a moment when you’re walking together or taking a seat. Using a light, caring touch to guide your date, you convey a sense of protection and attentiveness.
This subtle hand gesture to make your date to fall for you goes beyond mere physical contact. [Read: What it means when a guy touches you – 32 body parts and subtle meanings]
It communicates a deeper level of care and consideration for their comfort and well-being, subtly reinforcing the feeling of safety and connection in your burgeoning relationship.
9. The Nod Accompanied Hand Gesture
Nodding in agreement while using hand gestures in rhythm with your words is like underlining your thoughts in bold. It’s not just a sign of agreement; it’s an emphatic display of being in sync with the conversation.
The reinforcing gesture enhances the impact of your words, demonstrating your active participation and deep engagement in the dialogue, thereby strengthening the bond of communication with your date. [Read: First date nerves – 22 secrets not to be nervous and feel relaxed on a date]
10. The Relaxed Interlock
As you interlock your fingers and place them calmly on your lap or table, you send a message of ease and contentment. This subtle hand gesture sets a relaxed, comfortable tone, indicating that you’re completely at ease in your date’s company.
It’s a subtle way of saying, “I’m comfortable with you,” fostering an environment where both of you can be yourselves, encouraging a more authentic and genuine interaction.
11. The Excited Clap
Don’t you feel extra excited when the person you’re sharing your good news with is visibly thrilled for you? Clapping your hands in excitement is more than just a simple gesture; it’s a physical manifestation of your genuine interest and investment in what they are sharing. [Read: 26 social mind tricks to be more outgoing, friendly & talkative instantly]
It’s a way of celebrating their stories and experiences, making them feel appreciated and valued, and significantly enhancing the overall energy of the date. This enthusiastic response can create a positive and memorable connection, showing that you truly care about their happiness and success.
12. The Reflective Temple Touch
In a moment of deep thought, lightly touching your temple signifies concentration and reflection. It’s a signal that you’re not just hearing, but also processing and valuing the conversation. [Read: 80 VERY good conversation starters that’ll make anyone love talking to you!]
This gesture demonstrates that you take their thoughts seriously and are engaged in understanding their perspective, thereby fostering a deeper intellectual and emotional connection.
13. The Open Palms
This gesture is pretty simple, and you can adopt this as a default gesture in romantic interactions. In this gesture, both hands are relaxed and held open upwards, like carrying an invisible baby.
This gesture indicates honesty, openness, and a relaxed attitude. Using this gesture in conversations allows you to create an impression that you are sincere, calm, and more credible. [Read: 78 Good questions to ask people and be a great conversationalist]
14. Hands on Chest
This gesture is used as a display of sincerity when you are the one talking, and as a sign of empathy when listening to the other person speak. It is the reason why this gesture is used when the national anthem is sung – to imply that you mean every word you say.
15. The Hand Whirl
This subtle hand gesture to make your date fall for you is done by holding the hand up with the palm facing your body. The fingers are kept together while you make a rolling motion, as if the tip of your hand is drawing a circle.
The gesture is commonly used when explaining an abstract concept, and it gives off an intellectual vibe. [Read: Should a girl dumb it down just to impress a guy?]
16. The Steeple
The steeple is a gesture where one holds the fingers of both hands together like a clasp in prayer, but leaves some space between the palms like a loose pyramid. This conveys positive confidence when used in the right situation.
This gesture is commonly used by great thinkers in interviews and portraits as a sign that they are capable of complex thinking. Again, use this if you want to give your date the intellectual impression.
17. Palms at Rest
This gesture is normally done in a table setting where both palms are relaxed and face down on the table, with the forearms forming a triangular shape and your upper body leaning forward. [Read: 18 clear giveaways that your date really likes you already]
This gesture is an overt sign that you are interested in your companion.
18. Preening
Preening could be defined as a gesture used to direct attention towards a body part or clothing in order to “fix” our appearance for the sake of the other person.
There are many gestures considered as preening, and they can be taken positively or negatively. Positive preening gestures elicit the impression of self-assurance and confidence. Examples include:
– Straightening your coat before you sit or when you stand
Not only does it direct attention to your dapper suit, but it gives you the aura of being a dignified, well-bred person. So give your lapels a slight tug prior to sitting and after standing. [Read: 13 important traits that are sure to draw women to you]
– Fixing your cuffs or your cufflinks
The fact that you wore cufflinks on a date gives the idea that you are a classy, well-made gentleman. Notice how cool this gesture looks in Boardwalk Empire?
– Tucking your hair behind your ear
An exclusively feminine gesture that is both alluring and shyly flirtatious, daintily tucking your hair behind your ear makes you seem coy but still open to flirtation. [Read: 25 ways to look cute and melt a guy’s heart]
19. Holding Out Your Hand
One of the gestures of a true gentleman is to hold out his hand as an offer of support whenever his lady is getting out of the car or descending the stairs.
Even if she declines the physical support you offer, the gesture directly sends a message of personal concern and protectiveness. And did we mention that it is very gentlemanly? [Read: Rules of etiquette for the modern gentleman]
20. Touching
Touching can be tricky, as it comprises of physical contact and gives off a more intimate overtone than conversations and the usual hand gestures.
Women, in particular, are very sensitive to touching, so great care must be observed when touching another person.
Touches in this setting should be “safe touches” on the hand, upper back, arms, and shoulders. [Read: The art of flirting by touch without making it obvious]
For women, on the other hand, touching your date could be a sign that you’re also open to him touching you. When in doubt about the perfect time to touch him, a great time would be when you’re making a point or emphasizing an idea.
Gently touching his forearm with your fingertips when you say a word you want to emphasize is enough to give a positive impression. [Read: 30 subtle, obvious and really sexual flirting tips for women]
Instead of robotically gluing your hands to the table or nervously fiddling your fingers, practicing the above hand gestures can immediately make you seem more confident, in control, and, in turn, more attractive to your date.
Hand Gestures to Dodge for Date Night Success
Some moves bring you closer, others… not so much. Here’s a rundown of the subtle hand gestures that will make your date fall for you that are more ‘no-no’ than ‘va-va-voom’, ensuring your date is more dreamy and less, well, disastrous.
1. The Pointing Predator
Pointing aggressively at your date can feel like you’re hunting in the wild rather than flirting over dinner. It’s less Cupid’s arrow and more like a game of darts – likely to make your date feel more like a target than a partner. [Read: 10 super subtle gestures that reveal someone’s into you]
2. The Pat of Patronization
Patting your date’s arm or back with a palm-down hand – it’s the adult version of a head pat to a child. It screams ‘I’m the boss’, and let’s be honest, no one wants to feel like they’re on a date with their manager.
3. The Fidget Spinner
Twirling your hair, tapping your fingers, or fiddling with anything within arm’s reach? It can come across as a live broadcast of your boredom or nerves. Your date might start looking for a commercial break!
4. The Fist of Fury
Clenching your fists might make you look like you’re ready for a boxing match rather than a romantic evening. It’s more likely to raise alarms than eyebrows, suggesting tension instead of attraction. [Read: 20 Non-pushy secrets to keep a guy or girl interested after the first date]
5. The Arm Barrier
Crossing your arms is like putting up a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your conversation. It tells your date you might be closed off or chilly, and not in a ‘playing it cool’ way.
6. The Sneaky Face Cover
Frequently covering your face, especially your mouth, can signal that you’re holding back or hiding something. It’s like putting on a mask, which can make the interaction feel less genuine.
Plus, isn’t it awkward? Your date might think you’re either about to throw up or that they have bad breath. It’s important to be mindful of your body language to ensure that you come across as open and engaged rather than secretive or uneasy.
7. The Overeager Nodder
Nodding like a bobblehead might make you seem more like a yes-man than a genuine partner. It’s great to agree, but not to the point where your head looks like it’s on a spring. [Read: 27 Sure signs a guy wants to date you and red flags to watch if he’s unsure]
8. The Laid-Back Lounger
Resting your hand behind your head can come off as too laid back, like you’re lounging at home instead of engaging on a date. It’s a bit too ‘Netflix and chill’ for a first impression.
9. The Table Drummer
Come on now, do we really have to tap on the table? You’ll appear impatient, as if you’re in a rush or your date is boring you. Tapping can be as annoying as a bad background track, quickly turning your romantic duet into a solo act.
10. The Wrist Wrestler
Grabbing your own wrist or arm is like a visible stress meter. It’s a signal of discomfort that can make your date wonder if you’d rather be wrestling with a TV remote. [Read: Online dating – how it really works and 28 secrets to successfully date online]
Your Hands are Powerful Storytellers
Your hands are indeed powerful storytellers in the art of romance. As you’ve seen, subtle hand gestures can be your silent allies in the delightful adventure of dating.
They have the unique ability to convey emotions, intentions, and interest, often saying more than words ever could. These gestures are a crucial part of the non-verbal dance of attraction, playing a key role in how we connect and communicate with potential partners.
Remember, in the world of dating, it’s not just about the words you choose, but also about how your actions complement them. [Read: 45 Must-knows and the best and worst picnic ideas to woo your date]
The subtle hand gestures to make your date fall for you can significantly influence the dynamics of your interaction in ways that are unique and deeply human. So, the next time you find yourself on a date, let your hands do some of the talking and watch the magic unfold as your date falls for you!
Liked what you just read? Follow us on Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest and we promise, we’ll be your lucky charm to a beautiful love life. And while you’re at it, check out MIRL, a cool new social networking app that connects experts and seekers!