10 Things to Not do on a First Date

By Melanie on September 2nd, 2011

What Not to do on a First Date

Your first date could very well be the first step to a great relationship; but, it all depends on you. If you don’t make a good impression on your date, you will nip a good relationship in the bud. Here is a list of 10 things you simply must avoid doing when you are on your first date.

1. Avoid Negative Talk
Talking about exes, whining, criticizing, grumbling, telling your life story, talking endlessly about your children, telling your date that you love him or her, and proposing marriage is a big no-no.
Keep the conversation light, positive, and amusing. Allow your date to speak and listen carefully. Throw in a compliment every now and then. Reveal vital details about your life, but do not elaborate. Above all, show him/her that you are really having fun in his/her company.

2. Avoid Bad Habits
Avoid belching, farting, chewing gum, smoking, picking your nose, putting your fingers inside your mouth, eating noisily, getting drunk, or talking with your mouth full. Do not wear dirty or smelly clothes or very revealing attire.
Dress comfortably and get your hair done or take a shave just before your first date. Ensure that you smell good too.

3. Avoid Getting Distracted
Show that you are interested in your first date. If you flirt with the waitress, take calls on your mobile phone, send text messages, and insist on talking all the time, your date will never want to see you again.
Keep your phone on silent or vibratory mode, avoid complimenting other men or women around you, and pay 100 percent attention to your date.

4. Avoid Discussing Politics, Money, and Religion
There is enough time to discuss these topics once you get to know each other better, but discussion religion, money, and politics at your first date is a big no-no. People are very touchy about these topics and you do not want to get into a heated argument with your date.

5. Avoid Having Sex
Say no to sex immediately after the first date. If you a woman, this is the only way to make your man get more interested in you and suggest another date. If you are a man, this is the only way to make her feel special and respected. To put it simply, just keep your hands to yourself on your first date.

6. Avoid Being Rude
Be courteous and polite not only to your first date, but also to other people you will have to interact with during your first date such as the waiter and the cab driver. Your date is just not going to be impressed if you talk rudely to other people; on the other hand, he/she will rightly deduce that you are rude and unkind by nature.

7. Avoid Arriving Late
Many people make the mistake of arriving either too late or too early for the first date. Make it a point to arrive on time; your date will appreciate you for it.

8. Avoid Telling Lies
Be as truthful as possible. While you don’t have to reveal all the skeletons in your closet, you don’t really need to tell lies at your first date either. Be truthful about your marital status, the number of kids you have and so on.

9. Avoid Making Your Date Pay the Bill
If you are a man, you might like to pay the bill. If you are a woman, it is nice to offer to pay, but later gracefully allow your male partner to do it. In either case, never discuss the bill and who will pay it long before it arrives.

10. Avoid Going to the Movies
The purpose of the first date is to get to know each other, which is impossible if you sit in a half-dark movie theatre and watch a film. It is always a good idea to meet over coffee, snacks, lunch, or dinner. A movie is good for a second or third date but not for the first.

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