15 things to avoid on a first date : First impression is the last impression, well not always. But while dating for the first time this might just turn true. So one needs to be a little careful and exercise caution while on a first date. The first date can both be a nerve wrecking experience or an exciting affair since dates are a game of chance. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. We cannot guarantee you a 100% successful date experience but we can surely help you out with certain useful tricks that will help you to make a confident impression.
1. Do not be late : Time is precious. Don’t make your date sit alone waiting for you. Waiting alone can make your date paranoid and imagine things and situations which might actually not go in your favour.
2. Do not belch, fart or dig/pick your nose in public : You might be very comfortable with your body but please do understand belching, farting or picking your nose in his/her presence on the first date is a big no-no. If you really feel uncomfortable and cannot stop yourself from any of these, excuse yourself, use the washroom, comeback and behave.
3. Do not eat garlic and/or onion : You might be absolutely in love with garlic and/or onion but to eat it on a first date wouldn’t be quite a wise thing to do. Garlic and onion both have a not-so-desirable effect on your breath and is advisable to avoid on a first date.
4. Do not smoke : According to a survey, 51% of single men and women said that smoking on a first date was the ultimate deal-breaker. And it’s not just non-smokers that don’t want you taking a puff. Turns out, 60% of smokers don’t even want to date someone with the same habit. Smoking leaves a recognizable odor on your clothing, breath, skin that many people find offensive.
5. Do not exaggerate your literary skills while communicating : Trust me no one is interested in dating a dictionary and your first date is definitely not the place to boast about your knowledge and degree and stuff like that. Many guys assume that bragging about one’s job or refined taste would impress a girl in no time. But the fact is bragging is one of the biggest turn offs for women. In short cut your habit of showing off.
6. Do not smell bad : Smelling great can surely create a good impression. So smell good and seduce your date with your fragrance.
7. Do not forget to shave : There is nothing wrong with bushy beard, stubble or a clean shaven face as long as you look well kept. The main thing to consider when deciding whether to shave or not before the first date is to ask yourself what feels natural for you.
8. Do not talk about your Ex : Avoid talking about your Ex or Ex’s. No one is interested in knowing who and what screwed up your past relation at least on the first date.
9. Do not talk about sex : Do not talk about sex on the first date unless you are looking out for sex, sex and only sex, in which case you should definitely talk about your sexual history. But if not, leave a little something to the imagination.
10. Do not go out with dirty clothes : It’s true that clothes don’t make a man and we literally should not judge a book solely by it’s cover but the fact remains that in this strange world we keep on judging people every second and we are going to make a first impression on anyone and everyone we meet. So keep this in mind and dress appropriately and show your best side.
11. Do not give your date divided attention : Undivided attention is something that we all crave for specially on a date. Being glued to the phone, responding to every beep, text, alert and vibration or checking out the girls/boys passing by can surely be a big turn off. If you have to take a call, apologize before you do. Don’t hold your finger up to silence him/her. That’s rude. Please do remember your date deserves your undivided attention.
12. Do not be “I, me, myself” centric : Talking about only yourself and your work and your likes and your dislikes etc etc will make you look narcissistic. So to avoid this do make sure you make your date feel that you are genuinely interested in hearing about her. Give her space, encourage her to speak and open up.
13. Do not forget to be charming and courteous : In spite of a lot being said about women’s liberalization and equality between men and women the fact remains that no matter how modern she is, a woman wants doors held open and chairs to be pulled out for her, to be dropped home safely by you, to be protected and guarded in a crowded place and to feel wanted and cared for. So try to be the gentleman your mother raised you to be, not just on the first date but always.
14. Don’t just sit there like a mannequin when the bill comes : Stop assuming “He will pay”. If he goes for the bill right away, offer to split the bill or at least leave the tip. And if you offer to pay or split, be prepared to actually pay or split. Don’t play games.
15. Don’t let your mouth smell bad : Bad breath is a complete no-no and can ruin your date even before you realize it. Pop in a breath mint/gum or spray a mouth freshener before you walk into the date.
TIP :
Don’t try to be someone you are not. Share the real you in an interesting way, get prepared to present yourself in the best possible manner so that you might have the best chance to make a real connection with someone, probably a lifelong connection.
