A first date can be a nerve-wracking experience. First impressions are crucial to determining the difference between a one-time date or something more. If the first date turns out to be a one-time thing, it could be from one of these common, fixable mistakes.
1. Be late.
Even if you’re a chronically late person, do not be late to your first date! If you are late, your date will begin to think they’ve been stood up and leave, or they may second guess if you really want to be on the date. Plus, being late is just rude. Your date took all this effort to go out and see you. If something happens and you must be late, make sure to text or call them and let them know.
2. Bring up super personal information.
The first date is not the place to bring up all your insecurities and tragedies in life. You should save this information for when you get to know each other better. Your date may not know how to comfort you yet, and will feel awkward because they barely know you. Also, first dates should have light-hearted conversation. If you bring up something sad, it may damper the entire mood of the night. Your date could walk away feeling as if being around you makes them sad.
3. Talk about your ex (or ask about theirs).
This may seem obvious, but countless people talk about their exes on first dates. Don’t bring them up. Period. It will make your date think you’re not over your ex. Even if you are complaining about your ex, it shows that you’re still thinking about them. Most importantly, never ever compare your date to your ex. Also, asking your date about their dating history is, again, something reserved for a couple dates in.
4. Eat something smelly/messy.
It’s actually important to think about what you order. Avoid smelly foods containing things such as garlic and onions, or you may find your date reluctant if you go in for a goodnight kiss. If you really love foods containing these ingedients, just be sure to have some gum and mints handy!
5. Talk about money.
It shouldn’t matter how much money either of you make. Bragging about how rich you are is a turn off, and if that makes you more attractive to someone, they like you for the wrong reasons. Also, you should not care how much money your date makes. If you find that it matters, you probably should just end it after the first date.
6. Talk about politics.
Unless you met at a political rally, politics are a no-go. Not everyone shares the same beliefs you do, and it can turn awkward real fast if your date doesn’t agree with you. If you’re not careful, your date can turn into a full blown political debate. However, you can share your political views once you’ve gone on a couple dates, after you’re sure a debate wouldn’t be uncomfortable.
7. Talk about marriage and children.
Talk about moving too fast! Even if you don’t say you want to marry or have children with your date, if you talk about marriage and kids at all, your date may assume you’re implying this will be with them. They will think you’re jumping the gun, and they will probably run away.
8. Be shy.
Some people are just naturally shy. We can’t all be conversation experts, but if you’re too shy it may come off as rude or that you’re not interested in talking to your date. It can be hard to step out of that bubble, but you need to force yourself to talk! Your date wants to get to know you, so tell them about yourself! Ask them questions, too. If it’s a real problem, you could even tell your date know upfront that you’re just shy, and they will most likely understand. By the end of the date, you should definitely feel more comfortable with this person. If not, maybe they’re just not for you.
9. Talk only about yourself.
Some experts say when you’re nervous or flirting, you talk about yourself because it’s easy, and the person in turn will talk about themselves too. But don’t forget to leave room for the other person to talk about themselves. Also, ask your date questions about themselves to show them that you’re interested. If you only talk about yourself, they may assume you’re conceited, and aren’t interested.