First impressions matter. This is why first dates are very important. Whenever you go on a date with someone for the first time, you want to make the best impression. You change your hairstyle, take your best clothes, and use your sweetest perfume.
There are certain things you need to know before going on a date. Whereas you appear in front of your date looking lovely, the things you do and say can be frightening. You can leave them with the impression that they should’ve stayed at home, eating cake and browsing the TV. If you make them feel like filing a restraining order against you, then you should take a step back and analyze yourself.
Because you want to know how to behave yourself on your first date or know how to notice red flags in someone, here are the biggest no-no’s on a first date.
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Don’t talk too much about yourself
Nobody likes people who brag about themselves. Most of the times, people who only talk about themselves come across as very insecure and unattractive.
Although a first date is meant to get to know each other better, you should let the other person talk as well. You’re not in a competition for who had the greatest accomplishments in life. The other person may have something great to say as well, something that could spur your interest and start an amazing conversation.
Flexing all of your successes is only going to show them that you’re desperately trying to make them like you. Moreover, it gives the other person that you are too self-centred and unable to have a serious relationship. Consequently, they may run to the hills.
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Forget about your ex
Whether someone recently broke up with you or it’s been a while since then, you shouldn’t start crying and tell your date about how your ex broke your heart. This is only going to show the person that you’re not over your ex, and you’re looking for a rebound.
Rambling about your ex is only going to show this person some things about you. First of all, they are able to see what it’s like to date you and break up with you. Secondly, they can see how you are already comparing them to your ex, and they are lacking in all areas.
If you’ve broken up with someone recently, it’s better not to go on a date until you’ve moved on. However, if you need a little distraction, make sure that you abstain from bringing your ex into discussion.
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Don’t tell them that they remind you of a parent
Seriously though, who likes being compared to an older person who probably spends their whole day watching TV and doing stuff around the house? Telling them that they remind you of a parent may send them running and locking themselves in their room.
Your date wants you to see them as this attractive person who wants to do cool things with you. If you see them as a parental figure, not only will they think that you have some issues, but they’re going to find it a big turn-off as well.
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Don’t be a bad person
Have you ever thought about treating other people the way you want to be treated? This is great life advice right here. Being rude can make your date regret ever thinking about meeting you.
If you’re being arrogant, insulting the staff at the restaurant, chewing with your mouth open or other things, your date is going to look at you in disgust. How are you going to leave a good impression and make them want to date you again like this?
How you act in public and how you treat those around you shows a lot about who you are as a person. Therefore, have good manners and show your date that you’re the best decision they could’ve made.
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Don’t check other people out
Another thing on the things to avoid on a first date list is not checking out other people. Okay, you’re single and free to do whatever you want. Still, the person in front of you may feel like they’re not good enough. Additionally, you don’t seem like the kind of person to be trusted in a relationship.
This doesn’t mean you need to show interest in your date if you don’t feel like it. However, you probably wouldn’t like it either if your date was checking out other people. Give your date the time they deserve, and you are free to check out anyone else in your free time.
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Don’t be too quiet or too talkative
It takes two to tango. Don’t stay quiet and wait for your partner to talk. If you are interested in your partner, then ask questions about themselves. Try to find common likes and hobbies, and keep the conversation going. If one of you is only giving one word responses, it’s only a waste of time.
On the other hand, you shouldn’t take the spotlight for yourself either. Talking too much makes you look selfish and insecure. By rambling without end, your date will have nothing to say, and it’s going to be a huge turn-off. Try to balance the conversation so it works in both of your favours.
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Stop looking on your phone
What you shouldn’t do on a first date is being tied to your phone all the time.
Have you seen those pictures of people hanging out, but staring at their phone the whole time? You don’t want to become that kind of person, do you?
You’ll have all the time in the world to do that when the date is over. Continuously checking your phone is not only disrespectful, but a turn-off as well. Your date is going to think that they’re not interesting enough for you.
If you think that you’re too obsessed with social media, check it when you go to the bathroom, or keep it in your purse. You could also turn it off so there’s no distraction. You are there to focus on your date, and paying attention to them is the only way you can find out whether you’re interested or not.
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Don’t be late
An important thing when it comes to what not to do on a first date is not arriving late.
Although it’s a habit of yours to be late, this time you should make an exception. Nobody likes to wait, regardless of the situation. It’s not only disrespectful, but it’s also giving your date red flags when it comes to you. They could think you are careless and always in a rush.
There could always be exceptions, like encountering an accident and stopping to help, or the traffic being too high. However, if it’s just you not being interested enough to show up in time, your date is not going to be too pleased.
If something does happen, make sure you let the other person know. Call them or send a simple text apologizing and explaining the situation. They are going to appreciate you being honest, rather than leaving them to wait.
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Don’t move too fast
Nowadays, people seem to run away from marriages like they’re the devil.
Maybe you’re the kind of person who requires a lot of affection, and dreams about a happy marriage. Still, it’s not recommended to overwhelm your date with information about how your first child is going to be named.
Telling the other person about how you want your wedding to be and how much you want to meet their parents is going to send them away screaming. This is only the first date. Although this person may interest you, baby steps are the way to go.
Moreover, you want to seem interested, not crazy, so don’t make them have nightmares about you.
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Don’t go with poor hygiene
Hygiene is something you should be in a good relationship with, whether you’re going on a date or not.
If your date has to cover their nose during the whole date, don’t expect to ever see them again for a second date. Nobody likes people who smell like they have never heard about the existence of water and soap.
If you don’t want your date’s nose hair to fall, make sure you have proper hygiene. Take showers, brush your teeth, use perfume and deodorant, clip your nails, brush your hair, and wear clean clothes. Hygiene is probably the first thing your date notices about you, so you’d better give them a good impression.
Conclusion
When going on a first date, there are many things that you should and shouldn’t do for a good impression. If you want your date to be successful and not turn into a mess, make sure you are physically and mentally prepared to meet this new person. These first date do’s and don’ts tips should be enough to make your first date an unforgettable experience.