A clueless male

[jason]

Ok, so I'm trying to get my girlfriend to go hiking more often with me. Nothing real major just yet, a few hours at most, maybe half a day. However, I'm wondering from any female hikers here, is there any certain female problems I should know about before I try anything longer?

The only thing I can really think of is any bathroom related issues if we are in a more rural atmosphere.

[poster25]

Tigers and lions and bears, oh my!

And of course snakes and spiders and anything creepy and crawly. (This is of course, if she is a newbie)

[deltic]

As you said bathroom matters are a little more difficult, but I can't think of anything else. You can't make someone like hiking, they either will or they will not, don't push her too hard or she will give up completely.

[kernow]

I would agree about not pushing too hard. Why not let her choose the next place to hike.

[jason]

Originally Posted by deltic

As you said bathroom matters are a little more difficult, but I can't think of anything else. You can't make someone like hiking, they either will or they will not, don't push her too hard or she will give up completely.

We have done some small hiking trips. Usually an hour or two, no more then three hours. She has liked it so far and I asked her if she would like longer which she did say yes too.

I'm thinking on our vacation going to some parks and doing some hiking. So far she is ok with the idea.

[kernow]

I hope it works out well Jason. Try to involve her in the planning as much as possible and give her several options so that she can choose a route that interests her.

[SageMother]

Originally Posted by jason

Ok, so I'm trying to get my girlfriend to go hiking more often with me. Nothing real major just yet, a few hours at most, maybe half a day. However, I'm wondering from any female hikers here, is there any certain female problems I should know about before I try anything longer?

The only thing I can really think of is any bathroom related issues if we are in a more rural atmosphere.

The best thing you can know is how she feels about the whole exercise and when she'd be more likely to participate.

This means you will have to sit down and talk with her openly, honestly, and without trying to convince her of something without revealing what that something is.

No tricks, no making her "think" it's her own idea. You ask, she answers, and you accept those answers from her.

[deltic]

I think Sage Mother is right about taking the plain and simple route and talking to her about it. I think I am fairly typical and if I feel pushed or pressured into something (however kindly) there comes a point when I dig my heels in and refuse to participate at all.