How to Avoid Feeling Awkward Around Your Girlfriend

How do you feel when you first start dating a girl? You must be really excited, but also a bit nervous, right? If you're new to dating or this is your first relationship, it can be tough to know how to get through that initial awkward phase. Fortunately, with enough time and effort, you'll soon develop a deep connection with your girlfriend and feel completely at ease around her!

You can talk to your girlfriend in person, through text messages, or over video calls. The more you talk and get to know each other, the less awkward you'll feel. Moreover, text exchanges and video calls when you're apart can provide fun stories and experiences that you can bring up during your face-to-face encounters. You can even schedule times to chat, like when you're on your way home or after work hours.

• At first, your conversations might be quite casual, but that's okay! Over time, you'll have more meaningful discussions as you get to know each other better.
• Switch things up by sending voice messages instead of regular texts. Speaking will make your conversations more dynamic, and she'll be able to hear your voice as well.

This way, if there’s an awkward silence during the conversation, you’ll already have some ideas to keep it going. You should have two or three topics in mind before meeting your girlfriend. Follow up with open-ended questions to keep the conversation flowing smoothly. However, don't forget that many people are comfortable with quiet moments, so you don't always have to find something to say. You can ask questions like:

• “What did you want to be when you were a kid?”
• “What’s your favorite scent?”
• “If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?”
• “What would you do if you suddenly had twenty billion in your hands?”

Letting her know that you're nervous will help ease the awkwardness. If you feel uncomfortable or don't know what to say, just tell her. Chances are, she’s feeling just as awkward as you, and you can laugh about it together.

• For example, you could say, “Honestly, I’m a bit nervous right now. I’ve never been in a situation like this before!”
• Or “I might seem calm, but I’m actually not that confident. I’m kind of shaking right now, haha.”

You can find plenty of conversation starters from the activities you both do together. Furthermore, direct interactions when meeting face-to-face will help bring you closer to your girlfriend. Plan some fun dates that she enjoys, like going bowling, hiking, or visiting a museum. Over time, your outings together will feel more natural as you both get to know each other better.

• There’s no specific advice on how often you should go out together, but most couples tend to date once a week.
• Don't worry about spending a lot of money on your dates! Buying a snack and taking a walk in the park together can be a fun way to hang out with your girlfriend.
• You could also invite her to play board games, watch a movie, go camping, work out, enjoy a music show, dance, or take a weekend trip together.

Confident body language can help you feel less awkward. Even if you're not feeling very confident, you can still smile when you meet your girlfriend and look into her eyes. A good start will help you overcome the usual awkwardness that comes with new relationships.

• She might feel a little shy when she catches your gaze, especially if she's somewhat introverted. Don’t worry! She might just need some time to adjust (just like you).

Get closer to your girlfriend by breaking through the touch barrier. When you’re out together, try reaching out to touch her hand. If she doesn’t pull her hand away, you can hold her hand. Don’t make it a big deal; just continue holding her hand as you chat or walk around.

• Don’t hesitate to make other small gestures too, like resting your head on her shoulder or putting your arm around her waist. Although it might feel a little awkward at first, just keep going and it’ll start to feel more natural!

Encourage your girlfriend to open up by pointing out the things you like about her. You can compliment her smile, personality, or appearance. Try to choose the right moment and setting – perhaps right after a romantic date would be the perfect time. Look into her eyes and tell her how beautiful she is, and don’t worry if your compliments sound a little awkward at first.

• For instance, you might say “Your hair looks amazing today” or “I’ve never heard anyone laugh like you do!”

Reduce formalities in your relationship. Instead of always planning elaborate dates, try inviting your girlfriend to do something spontaneous or simply go out and see what’s out there. She’ll realize how interesting you are, and it will bring you two closer!

• You don’t have to act spontaneously all the time (it can be exhausting), but when you do, it’s a wonderful surprise!

This can help you two grow closer and show your care for your girlfriend. Don’t think you need to spend a lot of money on gifts – next time you meet her, just pick up a snack from a store and that will be enough to make her happy. The act of gifting can make you feel like you’re in love, not just hanging out with a friend.

• You can also buy her a gift that you can talk about together. For example, if you’ve just read an interesting book you want to share, get her a copy so you can discuss it while she reads it.

You might feel less nervous when hanging out with a group of friends. If your girlfriend agrees, next time introduce her to a few of your closest friends. That way, they can meet her, and she’ll see how you behave around your friends who make you feel completely at ease.

• Introduce her gradually, one or two friends at a time, especially if she’s a bit shy. Meeting too many people at once might overwhelm her.

• All new relationships can feel a bit awkward at first. Try to push through this phase – things will gradually get easier!