First dates are anxiety-inducing in the best of circumstances, but a respectful man goes out of his way to say things that put you at ease.
He’ll want to make you feel comfortable, seen, and valued — and hopefully make you like him, too. The words he uses can show you that he’s considerate, thoughtful, and worth your time, and if you hear these phrases, it’s clear he’s a genuine guy who’s interested in building something real.
1. “I’m really looking forward to getting to know you.”
This one is simple, but it sets the tone for the whole date. He’s not just about the superficial stuff—he’s actually interested in who you are. He’s saying, “I’m here because I want to be, and I want to know the real you,” which goes a long way in making you feel comfortable and valued.
2. “Is this place okay for you?”
A respectful man isn’t just thinking about what he wants. He’ll ask if you’re okay with the spot he picked, whether it’s the restaurant, the café, or even just where you’re sitting. This shows that your comfort matters to him, and he’s checking in to make sure you’re happy.
3. “Tell me about your interests or hobbies.”
Instead of turning the conversation into a monologue about himself, he’s keen to learn about you. He genuinely wants to know what you enjoy, what makes you tick, and what you’re passionate about. It shows he’s paying attention and actually cares about what makes you, well, you.
4. “That’s really interesting—tell me more.”
A guy with real respect won’t just ask you a question and stop there. If you mention something that piques his interest, he’ll dig deeper. He’ll want to know more, not because he’s trying to win a conversation, but because he’s actually curious about your thoughts and experiences. It makes you feel heard and valued.
5. “I really appreciate you sharing that with me.”
Opening up about personal stuff isn’t easy, so when a guy thanks you for being vulnerable, it shows that he doesn’t take it for granted. It creates a space where you can feel comfortable being yourself, knowing that your feelings and experiences are being respected.
6. “What’s something you’re passionate about?”
Instead of skimming the surface with small talk, he’s asking you about what gets you excited. Whether it’s a hobby, a cause, or something you’ve always wanted to do, this question shows that he’s interested in the things that truly matter to you. It’s not just about chit-chat; it’s about connection.
7. “I’d love to hear about your goals and dreams.”
A guy who’s serious about building something real wants to know where you’re headed in life. He’s not just focused on the here and now; he’s thinking about your future and how you see your life unfolding. It’s an easy way to tell you he’s seeing you as a person with hopes, not just a date.
8. “I respect that.”
When you share something about your values, boundaries, or even opinions, a respectful man won’t dismiss it. He’ll say something like, “I respect that.” It’s a simple way of saying, “I hear you, and I understand where you’re coming from,” without judgement.
9. “What makes you happiest?”
This is a great question, isn’t it? It’s personal and gets straight to the heart of what brings you joy. A guy who asks this isn’t just looking for a generic answer—he’s trying to learn about the things that light you up. It’s a good way of showing that he genuinely cares about your happiness.
10. “I’m having a great time with you.”
Sometimes it’s just nice to hear it. A guy who’s genuinely enjoying your company will let you know. It reassures you that he’s present, he’s having fun, and he’s glad he’s spending time with you. It keeps things light and helps you both relax.
11. “Are you comfortable with this?”
Whether it’s offering another drink, suggesting a change of location, or even just checking in with how things are going, a guy with respect will always ask if you’re comfortable. It shows he’s not assuming anything—he wants to make sure you feel at ease with everything, from the setting to any potential physical contact.
12. “I admire how you handled that.”
If you’ve shared a story about overcoming a challenge or achieving something, he’s not just going to brush it off. A respectful guy will admire your strength and resilience, acknowledging your efforts. It’s a great way to make you feel seen and appreciated for more than just your looks.
13. “I’d like to see you again, but no pressure.”
This one is key—he’s interested in another date, but he’s not going to push you into anything. He’ll leave it up to you, which shows confidence and respect. He’s saying, “I like you, and I’d love to see you again, but I’m cool either way.” It’s all about respecting your decision.
14. “Thank you for your time.”
It’s easy to take each other’s time for granted, but a respectful guy will thank you for your time together. It’s a simple way of showing that he values the moment and appreciates you making an effort to meet up. It’s a small but meaningful gesture of respect.
15. “What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?”
This is one of those questions that helps you get a feel for each other’s lifestyle. By asking this, he’s showing that he’s interested in more than just surface-level stuff—he wants to know what you enjoy doing in your downtime. It’s a way of opening the door to more meaningful conversations about how you both spend your time.
16. “I really value honesty and respect.”
Source: Unsplash When a man openly shares his values, especially those like honesty and respect, he’s setting a clear foundation for what he expects in a relationship. It shows that he’s serious about treating you well and wants to create a dynamic based on mutual respect.
