Anyone who hasn't lived in their room for the past 100 years, knows that when you go to the movie theater, there is but one armrest between seats. Friends and family members alike may gayly argue about who gets it. On a date, however, it can play a crucial role.
The scenario: a couple who is on their first date or on one of the first few go to the movies alone. They sit next to each other and...
Alright, the armrest. What is so darn important about an armrest? The armrest is a barrier as well as a barometer.
The barrier part is obvious; if down, the armrest doesn't allow easy, intimate access to the other person. Attempting to kiss, lay on one another, or simply cuddle is very uncomfortable and difficult if the armrest is down. One of the only semi-affectionate things one can do is hold hands, which isn't bad. However, if the armrest is up, this allows for more physical interaction and in a much freer space.
The most important role an armrest serves is a barometer. Let's face it, most new couples do not go to the movies to actually watch the movie. Most go to feel the other out, see how things are in a slightly private venue. The only thing to separate the other person is, you guessed it, the armrest. So whether it is down or up is very important.
Now there are several ways this can play out and I will try to cover most them, but forgive me if I miss some.
(Disclaimer: for the sake of examples, I will be using heterosexual situations. I haven't forgotten about homosexuals, I simply don't know how this plays out for you all. You can send me a message or comment below if you feel like informing me and/or the others)
Typically, the armrest is down when you get there; the person who was there before you probably put it down for support upon leaving the theater room. Now once you sit down, if the armrest goes up immediately (by the girl), as the man, you're in there. Unless you mess it up (men), you shouldn't have to worry about anything. If the man is the one to immediately put it up he either already has you comfortable enough for y'all to be that close, is trying to up the ante, or he is feeling himself way too much and this may be a long night.
Let's take it to halfway through the movie. At this point, it doesn't really matter who would lift it. The person opposite would have given enough signals as to whether or not he/she wanted to be closer. She could complain that it's cold, but not ask you for your coat. She/he could move her/his cup from the middle to the outside. She could lean on the armrest closer to you, supporting her head with her hand. She/he could raise the armrest while getting up to go to the bathroom and not put it back down upon reentry. You all could share a 'moment' and instinctly know to get closer. If the hint is taken, then the armrest is lifted and...you know the rest. If the hint isn't taken, there may be more hints to come. If the hint or hints are ignored or denied = bad bad bad.
Bad, bad, bad: the armrest down the whole time without holding hands means: the movie was REALLLLLLLLY good, the touch barrier hasn't been breached, you are just a friend, or there won't be another date. There is nothing worse than it being pulled up and either no move is made, the wrong move is made, or the move is denied. No move is made with the armrest up places both parties on opposite armrests, with more space in between them than before (ever tried to stay still in a chair for a long time with no armrests? Eventually, you have to find something to lean on). Wrong move or move is denied? Your date might as well be swimming with the fishes; ain't no coming back from that.
So the next time you're on a date, see what happens with that little piece of support between you and your partner. Hope it goes well ;).
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