You met a cute guy on the train to Chicago (all purely hypothetical, or course). You had some good conversation and then an exchange of numbers occurred. What just happened? How do you interpret the way the numbers were exchanged? Read on ...
Phone: For the phone, there are three categories. They are as follows:
1.) Boy giving girl phone number: Perhaps taboo a good 20 years ago, this new dating trend has quickly taken foot in today's modern dating scene. No longer is there that pressure of "will he call me" or "Stephanie, don't pick up the phone, it might be Tyler!" Now, the woman is in control. Why would a man ever want this? We can name a few reasons. Firstly, instant litmus test, "does she really like me," this leaves no room for annoying doubt. Secondly, there is no door left open for rejection. Thirdly, for security purposes a girl may be hesitant to give out her number, so this highly non-confrontational method sets a safe option for the female. Then lastly, referring to the popular hip-hop song a good ten years ago, "H*&^ in Different Area Codes," this gives a man the confidence that Sheila from Florida could call him at any point in his life (granted he keeps Verison).
2.) Boy asking for girls number: A largely faded option, it is no longer in vogue, as it sounds too forward, too trite, and often can pan out in out right rejection. The advantages for the male are as follows: There's no waiting, he can call her on his time, of course she would be delighted to talk -- at least he thinks so. Next, and perhaps the most alluring advantage: man is in control. He can do as he pleases with the number, pursue as he will, or just test his male prowess by soliciting numbers from girls that he's not really interested in -- just to see if he can get it.
3.) A mutual exchange of numbers: This is often done platonically, and can lead to smooth-sailing or confusion, depending on how it unfolds. Example: "Bradan, let's exchange numbers for the group project." This egalitarian-esk method not only promotes equal advantage among both sexes, but also leaves it ambiguous enough to be safe from rejection, yet hopeful toward possible romance. A highly cautious, yet often successful method.
