You’re standing in front of the mirror, trying on different outfits and practising your smile for the hundredth time. Your heart is racing, and your mind is flooded with excitement and nervousness.
It’s your first date, and you want to make a good impression. While the possibilities are endless, there are a few things that you should avoid at all costs.
In this article, we’ll explore what not to do on a first date, so you can avoid any potential pitfalls and make the most of this exciting experience.
Don’t Be Late
Being late is one of the worst things you can do on a first date. Being punctual shows respect for your date’s time and demonstrates your responsibility. If you know you are running late, be sure to communicate with your date as soon as possible to let them know.
Don’t Talk Only About Yourself
While sharing your interests and experiences is important, listening to your date is equally important. Don’t dominate the conversation by talking only about yourself. Ask questions and show interest in what your date has to say. This will help you get to know each other better and will make the conversation flow more naturally.
Don’t Drink Too Much
It’s okay to have a drink or two on a first date, but be careful not to drink too much. Being drunk on a first date can lead to embarrassing situations and a turn-off for your date. You want to be clear-headed and present during the date, so you can make the most of the experience.
Don’t Overuse Your Phone
When you’re on a date, it’s important to be present in the moment. Using your phone during a date sends the message that you are not interested in the person sitting across from you. It’s also distracting and can disrupt the flow of the conversation. Put your phone away and focus on getting to know your date.
Eye contact, attentive listening, and genuine conversation are essential for building rapport. Phones create a barrier and hinder these crucial elements. The constant ping of notifications can be distracting and stressful for both you and your date. Ditch the phone and enjoy the relaxed flow of conversation.
Don’t Be Rude to the Waitstaff
How you treat others says a lot about your character. Being rude or dismissive to the waitstaff or other service industry workers is a huge turn-off for most people. Treat everyone you encounter on your date with kindness and respect.
Don’t Talk About Your Ex
It’s important to leave the past in the past, especially when you’re on a first date. Talking about your ex can make your date feel uncomfortable and may signal that you are not ready to move on. It can make you seem emotionally unavailable like you haven’t fully moved on or are still hung up on the past.
Focus on the present moment and getting to know your date, rather than dwelling on past relationships. When a topic comes up that could lead to talk about your ex, gently steer the conversation in a different direction.
The first date is all about creating a positive first impression and exploring potential connections. Leave the ex-talk for another time and place, and focus on enjoying the moment with your date!
Don’t Be Too Negative
A first date is an opportunity to explore compatibility and build a spark. Negativity acts as a barrier, blocking potential connections and hindering genuine interaction.
Nobody likes a Debbie Downer. While talking about your problems and challenges is okay, it’s important to keep things positive. First impressions matter, and a negative attitude can paint an unfair picture of who you truly are. People might perceive you as pessimistic, unapproachable, or even bitter.
Being too negative can be draining and may make your date feel uncomfortable. Try to focus on the good things in your life and keep the conversation upbeat.
Don’t Rush Things
It’s important to take things slow on a first date. Rushing into physical intimacy or making plans for the future can be overwhelming for your date. Take the time to get to know each other and let things develop naturally.
Don’t Be Too Pushy
While expressing your desires and interests is important, respecting your date’s boundaries is equally important. Being too pushy can be a turn-off and may make your date feel uncomfortable. Pay attention to your date’s body language and verbal cues, and respect their wishes.