Horrible Mistakes On a First Date
1. Talking Too Much About Yourself
On a first date, the goal is to get a better idea of who you are, but it's important to balance the amount of time you're talking with the amount of time you're listening. When a person talks about themselves too much, it gives the impression that they're self-centered or selfish. Some people do this because they're nervous and don't know what to say, but it's okay to be silent for short moments and just enjoy the scenery, the dinner, or whatever you're doing.
2. Not Engaging Enough
This involves not asking any questions. On a first date, you're trying to get to know the person, and it can put the other person off if you don't seem engaged or interested. It's worthwhile to think about questions you want to ask ahead of time.
3. Drinking Too Much
If you drink too much, this is a big red flag for many people, especially if you become someone you're not once you're intoxicated. It depends on the environment you're in, but it looks bad on you if you're excessively drinking to the point where you lose control, vomit, slur your words, etc.
4. Using Your Phone
Texting obsessively while on a date makes the person feel like you're not interested or want to get to know them. You're not showing them value, respect, or honour because you're making the phone your priority. You want your body language to show that you're paying attention to them, such as making eye contact, using hand gestures, and facing toward them.
5. Showing Up Late
Don't ruin the date before it starts, especially if the other person likes to be punctual. It's especially worse if you have a reservation or tickets to an event. These little details matter and it's a sign of disrespect if you're late without a valid reason. Give yourself plenty of time beforehand to get ready and adjust for potential traffic.
6. Talking About Past Relationships
On a first date, the person wants to get to know you, not other people. It's normal to talk about past relationships once you've had time to get to know each other, but definitely not on a first date. It also gives the impression that you're still thinking about your ex(es) and may not fully be over them if you're constantly bringing them up.
7. Talking About Unnecessary Medical History
If you're having dinner and need to share an allergy you have, then that's totally fine. However, you want to avoid mentioning things like cancer because this can turn the date into a direction that you don't want. It can cause the other person to feel uncomfortable or not want to open up to you because they feel bad about talking about themselves when you're going through so much. These topics are better discussed after the first date once you start learning about each other on a deeper level.
8. Being Rude to Staff
If you're rude, acting difficult, or making unnecessary requests that make the staff's job much harder, this can make you look obnoxious and off-putting to your date. It's even worse if you make racist or prejudicial comments. How you act to people that serve you says a lot about who you are.
9. Talking About Politics
Regardless of your political views, you don't want to give the impression that you're basing your impression of them on their political views. It says a lot about you if you can't be around people who don't share the same opinions, and this can turn the date sour and make you look like you're not a well-rounded person. Learn the person before you learn their politics.
10. Complaining A Lot
If everything you talk about is negative, the other person will be much less inclined to have a second date. People remember how you make them feel, so don't start off on the wrong foot by fostering a bitter environment.
