I totally bet that a hug at meeting would be ok. Hand holding sounds like a safe bet too....and I would wager that forearms are a fairly safe place to start too.

You might want to always keep in mind that she is probably just as nervous- if not more so - than you are.
Women are used to being judged on their appearances instead of their brains and, if her last relationship ended badly, she may also have some self-esteem issues and fear of rejection.

Dating is really hard and first meetings can be terrifying and filled with self-doubt.
If you have connected on the phone....it should be a lot easier to get into a conversation.

I hope it goes really well for you

Got to read the room brother! Doesn’t matter how you are or what you prefer. It only matters what she prefers and what she wants.

Follow her lead, and if in doubt, ask her.

These days, making an unexpectedly bold move on a woman could get you hit with pepper spray, and possibly even arrested.

ask her

I'm pretty touchy-feely as well. I would say try reading her body language. If she's leaning away from you or has her arms crossed (unless it's cold) then hold off on the touching. If she's leaning towards you, flirting and brushing legs, then I would say it's probably ok to touch her forearm. See how she responds to that.

My face is SUPER easy to read so most guys can tell how I'm feeling. I'm sure other women are much more reserved so take that into account.

I'm excited for you!!!!! Have fun!

I think I know what you're going thru. From a woman's perspective I am also a touchy, animated hand movement when talking and a light touch on the forearm, etc kind of person. On a first meeting/date it sometimes gets mis interpreted to mean something more. I check myself and just do less until I get to know the man better. Now if my date asked how I feel about those types of gestures, well there ya are, perfect time talk.