Good vibes
If I get good vibes from the person and it appears that they are also interested, then I may immediately drop him a text saying, ‘Hey, today was fun.’ If I get a prompt-ish reply, I consider it a job well done. I am actually not someone who will call the other person. My dates are usually timed for lunch or early evening, so I usually make some sort of contact by night.
Rupi, 26, doctor
Wait and watch
I think the best thing to do is wait for a day before calling her back. That gives her time and lets her know that you are still thinking about her! But I feel uncomfortable if the girl calls me first – I feel that would be too forward of the girl.
Prashant, 31, corporate consultant
No waiting
I actually have never had to call a person back, because I always get called. Usually, the calls come in by the end of the day, but I’ve even had a date call me within half an hour of our dinner concluding!
Richa, 25, graphic designer
Act cool
I try to act cool about the entire affair. I usually wait for the girl to message or call me, but if she hasn’t for three days, then I drop a text on the third day with a simple ‘Hey’. As far as dates are concerned, my initial contact is all over a text, except in unforeseen circumstances, like when I’m running late for a meet. It’s only when I get comfortable with a girl that I pick the phone to call her.
Tariq, 29, lawyer
The three-day rule
I was very late to the dating scene, and the first time I went out with someone, I was very nervous about the whole thing. I asked my friends, and they all unanimously said that I had to wait for three days before I call back. So I did, and the girl was very angry and sarcastically asked me that since I went in for the first stereotype of waiting for three days before I called, whether I was also expecting that things would get heated between us on the third date. That’s when I realised that there is no such thing as the ‘correct’ amount of time before one calls back. One should just do it when it feels right!
Ankit, 28, marketing manager
Taking it slow
I take it slow and usually wait a couple days to reach out again, allowing myself to get a bit of space. I would drop a text or so, just to say hey and let him know I’m still thinking about him. But a lot also depends on what kind of replies I get from him. If I get monosyllables or ‘K' as a reply, I’ll lose interest. I’d also not call him if he floods me with texts. There has to be a happy, comfortable medium.
Jaya, 32, teacher
Making the first move
I would never make the first call. I think that’s the guy’s job. I just wish some guys would call me the same day! It cuts out a lot of unnecessary stress about ‘will he, won’t he’.
Divya, 21, student
As told to Kate R
To protect the identity, the person in the picture is a model.
If you liked your date, would you call them back soon after or play the waiting game? Share your thoughts with Love Matters in the comments section or on our Facebook page. If you have a specific query, please visit our discussion forum - Let’s Talk.