What I came to realize over time was that dating, especially in the beginning, is not just about putting stuff out there. It’s about creating and giving space for the other person to come to you and form their own opinion without you trying to force it.

When responding to this scenario, I’m picturing a guy and a girl together, there’s an awkward silence or a pause or a moment where he doubts that she likes him, and then he just starts gushing compliments and admiration to try and win her over.

This is my opinion, but from the way I read the question, it didn’t sound like the guy was even in-tune to where she was at – he was just saying stuff hoping something would stick.

Now, to your point TorontoLouise, yes it depends on context: If she likes him, she’ll like his affection. But… what lead up to her liking him. I have to imagine that the man himself, his delivery, his presence, how he held himself and how he thinks of himself plays a role in whether or not she likes him… that’s what I was speaking to. Otherwise, it’s a circle logic: it’s because of context that girl likes him > girl likes him because he has himself in order > guy acts in a way that is attractive > guy creates the context.

From that point of view, the guy and how he thinks of himself still plays a role in this. At the same time, of course, different strokes for different folks. Some girls might find one guy charming and endearing while other would find him boring and dull and others would find him obnoxious and dumb.