Sitting on the couch while watching TV. Lounging on a blanket outside in the sun. Waiting for an outdoor concert to begin.

Keep your eyes on the TV or whatever the two of you are watching at first. Play with her hair absentmindedly, as if you don’t even know what your hand is doing. Then act as though whatever it is you compliment suddenly woke you up to what your hand is up to.

If you’re confident about your skill, just offer to do it, plain and simple, to show your confidence, like: “Hey, how about I braid this for you?” If you’re unsure, just ask her to teach you. This way she probably won’t mind any mishaps, and you’ll still have an intimate moment together. Say something, “Hey, why don’t you show me how to braid your hair? I always wondered how you do that. " If you’re confident but want to make this even more of a bonding experience, play dumb and ask her to teach you so she feels like she’s sharing something with you.

Use your fingers if there isn’t a comb handy, or if you’d just rather have a more hands-on experience.

Take the rightmost strand (3) in one hand, then cross it over the middle strand (2). Now the strands are arranged like this: 1-3-2, with the original right strand ending up in the middle. Now cross the left strand (1) over the new middle strand (3). Now the original left strand is in between the others, so they appear as 3-1-2. Continue crossing the strands in this pattern (right over middle, then left over middle) until you reach the end of her hair. Always use one hand to handle the strand that you’re moving, and your other hand to keep the other two strands separated from it. This way hairs from one strand won’t become tangled with another’s. This may be hard to visualize, so watch a video tutorial if needed to better see how to use your fingers and arrange each strand. Practicing with three different colors of yarn or similar material is an easy way to master braiding.

Watch her neck and shoulders to make sure she’s relaxed. If they tense up, this might mean she’s not enjoying this, or she may be nervous.

If she’s talkative, keep chatting to show off your skill and confidence by doing two things at once. If she’s relaxed and falls silent, keep quiet as well so she can focus on the sensation.

Moving on to a shoulder or neck massage. Planting a kiss or two on her head, neck, or shoulders. Stroking or grazing her fingers over her back or arms.

How long this takes will depend on the woman in question. She may welcome physical signs of affection right away, or she may need several dates before she feels like she can trust you. However long it takes, don’t force the issue. Be respectful and don’t rush physical intimacy before she’s ready.

Share an armrest with her in a movie theater so your arms rest against each other. Tap her arm to direct her attention to something you’re pointing out. Lightly touch her shoulder to announce your presence if she doesn’t see you coming.

Emphasizing a point you’re making in your conversation by touching her hand. Guiding her through doors with your hand in the small of her back. Cupping her elbow to let her know you’re about to turn left or right as you walk together.

Briefly take her hand between yours as part of your greeting. Guide her by the elbow for a moment once you start walking. Offer your hand to help her out of the car.