The first date — you’ve met someone that you like and you’ve decided to go on a date. It can be the start of a whirlwind romance, but at the same time nerve-wracking and exciting. Just when you thought you’d met Mr. or Ms. Right, you realize you never heard back from your date. What went wrong?
Here’s a list of 10 things you should never do on your first date. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
- Texting. A major no-no. There’s nothing ruder than trying to have a conversation with a person who’s constantly starring at their phone screen. It’s awkward and makes the person feel like their date doesn’t want to be there. Unless it’s a life or death situation, it can wait until the date is over. Truly a deal breaker.
- Asking your date when they last had sex. You don’t even know your date’s last name and now you want to know when they had their last encounter? Really? It’s very inappropriate.
- Taking your kids with you. The purpose of the date is to get to know you. Need I say more?
- Forgetting to mention that you have kids. Don’t mislead anyone. Let the person decide if they want a readymade family. Honesty is always the best policy.
- Talking about your exes. This can definitely backfire on you. It’s often a sign of baggage and may even appear that you haven’t moved on or that you’re bitter. How you treat your exes is a clue to how you are in relationships, so less is more.
- Flirting with other people. Are you flirting with the waiter-waitress or eye stalking a woman or man across the room? Don’t do it; give your date your undivided attention.
- Too much to drink. If you can only handle one drink, but you just downed three Long Islands and now you’re speech is slurred, you can’t stand up and you’re incoherent — how embarrassing? Having to be driven home by someone that you just met isn’t cute at all.
- Picking your nose, spitting or eating with your hands. You’re not a caveman or woman. Have some class. These actions are downright nasty.
- Talking about marriage or babies. Have you even discussed your relationship goals? Coming on too strong in the beginning is a big turn off.
- Inappropriate attire. Ladies, why are you wearing your cocktail dress and 5-inch stilettos to meet your date for coffee at Starbucks? And, gentlemen why are you wearing your oily T-shirt (from changing your tire) to a five-star restaurant? You are both so wrong!
–Myra C. Harris is the author of How to Get a Man: From the Kitchen, to the Bedroom, to the Ring, which can be purchased at www.letaypublishing.com.
