When it comes to initiating relationships, experts say the playing field is becoming more equal. There are women out there waiting for men to ask, but what if the day never comes? And it may not, especially with all these role reversals going on.
The traditional view of how to act like a man has changed, said William Holzworth, a clinical psychologist during an interview with the American Foundation of Counsel in Green Bay, WI.
“The masculine thing you have to go through to be a man is a burden,” Holzworth said during the interview. “Men are pleased that they don’t have to be the John Wayne type anymore to impress women. They now have the time to get in touch with their sensitive side.”
Confident Women
Of course, all women may not feel comfortable asking men out. Experts like Holzworth say it depends on how assertive and how much self-esteem a woman has. After all, rejection goes with the territory. But when you are confident, there is no concept of rejection.
So when a man says “no,” a self assured woman may see it as two people not wanting the same thing.
Make the First Move
Women should pay attention to how they approach men. Relationship experts say you can be direct with a softness that says you are interested yet tactful. If a woman met a guy at a party and told him she enjoyed talking with him, it is seen more as a compliment than a come-on line.
Role Reversal in Dating
Holzworth also said roles shift with each generation. Thirty and 40 years ago, the norm was the man initiating interest. If you parent teens today, some changes are obvious. Some boys receive more calls from girls than they make them. As more men are becoming stay at home husbands today while their counterparts are bringing home the bacon.
Women asking men out doesn’t mean chivalry is dead. A man can still be a gentleman or feel like he is the man by opening up his date’s car door or even offering to pick up the tab. It just means that most men in general are OK with women making the first move.
But what if none of this mattered? Getting to know someone might seem less of a game if both sexes can identify what they want and learn the skills to go after it. Of course, it might take some time to build up your confidence but dating will never be as easy as ordering dessert. However, using a different approach once in a while may help to create a healthy relationship.
