Men should not have to make a woman accountable for the advancement of an interaction. It is a man’s job to escalate and pursue the woman, typically. A method I use frequently is in where I’ll take one step forward. If she’s receptive I’ll enjoy that moment with her and take one step back before I push the interaction further the next time I begin to escalate it.

For example, say I was to put my arms around a girl for a brief hug and she responded positively. I would then let go of her quickly and joke around a bit more. Then, when she laughed with me or began portraying any kind of happiness or excitement I’d hold her hand with our fingers intertwined and give her a kiss on the cheek. Notice how holding hands and kissing are more overt forms of touch over the brief hug. Also, make sure if it’s the first time you’re holding her hand or giving her a kiss that it is extremely brief.

On the other hand, if she was unreceptive or responded negatively to your ‘one step forward’, then I’d take ‘two steps back.’ Two steps backwards from a failed hug attempt would be a high-five. Then, you can gradually build it up to being able to go for a hug again.

The worst thing you can do is do nothing and walk away. Most women are just testing to see if you’d leave before you’d stay and talk. That’ll give you the opportunity to go for the hug again a few minutes later. All in all, guys are responsible for the escalation of physical touch just most are too aggressive or too passive.