Should a woman pursue a man? Singles weigh in on whether traditional ‘first move’ rules apply in modern dating – with mixed results
- Australian relationship expert Louanne Ward has posed a question on Facebook
- She asked followers if women can pursue a man in the modern dating world
- Some said that it should still be the role of the man to make the ‘first move’
- While others said that if women ‘want equality’ they should be doing the asking
An Australian dating coach has tackled the ‘modern dating issue’ of whether women should pursue a man or whether it’s still up to the man to ask someone out on a first date.
Relationship expert Louanne Ward, from Perth in Western Australia, posed the controversial question in her Facebook group She Said, He Said, calling on members to decide if they prefer ‘old fashioned values’ or believe women should have equal access to asking.
Some people were of the opinion that if women wanted ‘equality’ in the work place and beyond, they needed to step up and ask for what they want, while others preferred the way of the past and liked the idea of a man ‘wooing’ a woman.
Relationship expert Louanne Ward, from Perth in Western Australia, posed the controversial question in her Facebook group She Said, He Said
Those that stuck to tradition were vocal about their choice in the comments section.
‘I’m loving the old fashioned values of a bloke asking first,’ said one woman.
‘Call me old fashioned but I prefer a man to ask me out,’ said another.
A third added: ‘In today’s dating world, yes a man should ask a women out. I wouldn’t say it’s old fashioned, my experience has proven that the ‘chase’ is important to set good foundations. Women should also make sure they are not always available and leave guys wanting more’.
While others were open to the possibility of being asked out by a woman – or doing the asking – and had already started to do so.
‘I like it if a woman shows she is interested and yeah why not jump outside the square, it’s a new world now so anything goes. Don’t think twice just do it, or life can be lonely waiting,’ one man said.
While others were open to the possibility of being asked out by a woman – or doing the asking – and had already started to do so (stock image)
‘Women want equality so they should ask a man out,’ said another.
One woman said: ‘I actively try to pursue men only to be constantly ghosted so it is very disheartening’.
Louanne was forthright with her own partner and believes women should have the power and confidence to pursue a man if they desire it.
‘One of the single biggest criticisms I hear from women is that men never approach them anymore when they go out. And I always ask when is the last time you approached a man and struck up a conversation?’ She said.
Louanne was forthright with her own partner and believes women should have the power and confidence to pursue a man if they desire it
‘Absolutely having a go is always better than standing on the sidelines.’
The dating coach explained that part of our social construct has defined roles of the mating game that have been in place for a long time.
‘Many people were bought up by their parents, peers and social expectations to believe a man should make the first move,’ she said.
‘I wouldn’t personally have a problem asking a man out as I work in the relationship industry but my upbringing was very much centred around old fashioned etiquette.
‘It was not considered lady like for a woman to pursue a man. It’s just interesting to see what beliefs people adopt when it comes to modern romance.’