A first date is an opportunity to get to know someone better. It’s an introduction of sorts - an interview in which the questions go both ways. Therefore, to make a good first impression, it is imperative that you are on your best behavior, so never, ever do the following on a first date:
1. Show Up Late
You don’t want to show up too early on a date, but showing up late is much, much worse. Unless you are stuck at work or have a family emergency, show up on time. If you have a valid reason for showing up late, at least have the decency to call your date ahead of time and give him or her an ETA. No one likes to wait.
2. Talk about the Ex
Your date may wonder what type of boyfriend or girlfriend you would be; however, he or she does not want to hear about your past relationships. Don’t mention what your ex did for a living, or how he or she broke your heart. And, if you have any regrets, definitely keep mum about them. The only thing your date will take away from a conversation about your ex is that you are not ready to move on.
3. Delve into Your Financial Situation
Talking about your huge salary is as bad as talking about your huge debt. Although it’s often inaccurate, people tend to make assumptions about a person based on his or her financial situation. You’ll either end up looking like a braggy asshole or an irresponsible loser.
4. Complain Too Much
Your first date isn’t a therapy session, so don’t treat it like one. No one wants to listen to a whiner. If you sit there and complain about your job, your meal, the waiter, your date will label you as someone who’s hard to please.
5. Drink Too Much
Having a drink can help you loosen up, but you don’t want to drink so much that you lose all your inhibitions. If you are drunk, you will most likely end up saying and doing something you will regret. You don’t want your date to see all of your faults in one night.
6. Lie
Yes, you want to impress your date, but don’t exaggerate or embellish. Your date wants to know more about you, the real you. If you want to impress, simply let him or her see you at your best. You can only carry on a lie for so long.
7. Look at Your Cellphone
Put your phone away. Checking your phone messages during a date is rude. By doing so, you are telling your date that he or she doesn’t deserve your full attention.
8. Forget to Ask Questions
It’s good to open up and let your date learn more about you, but you should also ask questions. You are there to learn more about your date, as well.
9. Talk about Anything Gross
Diseases, rashes, bowel movements - these are all topics you should avoid during a first date. They all come with horrific mental images that are difficult to erase, especially when you don’t know someone that well.
10. Discuss the Distant Future
As stated before, the first date is an introduction. The goal is to leave the date feeling like you know the person a little bit more than you did at the beginning of the date and vise versa. However, even if your date is going well, stay in the moment. Enjoy yourself. Remember, you aren’t even an item yet. Serious discussion topics like marriage and children are meant for serious couples.
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