Things To Avoid On A First Date

Sometimes we spend so much time thinking about what to get right on a first date, we forget to plan for what could go wrong.

And what could go wrong is you!

You’ve got everything planned out: what to wear, dinner reservations, suggestions for where to go for a drink afterward, a few witty anecdotes — this is going to be the best first date in the history of first dates. But then, as you’re waiting for dessert, you go on a 15-minute rant about your ex. Crash and burn.

Don’t Be Late

If you want to impress on the first date, make sure you’re prepared. Give yourself ample time to finish work, do errands and get ready for your night out. You don’t want to be that person who has to send “just one last email for work,” or show up with your gym bag. If you’re running late, chances are you won’t be looking your best either and you definitely want to be dressed your best. When people are late, they tend to get flustered, and the reality is that your date is going to be judging and evaluating every little thing — so you don’t want to do something out of character.

Don’t Overdo It

Everything in moderation, right? You might be hungry, but it isn’t the best idea to try and get to the bottom of an Olive Garden’s bottomless bowl of pasta (bonus tip: don’t go to the Olive Garden on a first date). You also don’t want to overdo the booze. A drink or two to calm the nerves can often help the night go smoother, but once you’ve polished off your sixth vodka soda, chances are things are going to get sloppy (and not in a good way).

And while you want the conversation to progress naturally, also make sure not to dwell on any topics for too long. Sure, you may the biggest Game of Thrones fan, but maybe your date is just being polite and doesn’t really want to hear about which Lannister you hate the most.

Don’t Spend The Night On Your Phone

Just don’t.

Don’t Be Rude

Seems simple enough. But sometimes we don’t notice when we’re being rude. Be careful not to interrupt too much or give attitude to your server.

Don’t Talk About Anything Too Serious

Having the same interests and life views is incredibly important, and some topics will need to be debated eventually, but the first date isn’t the right time. Once you’re more comfortable with each other, it will be easier to have honest conversations. You also don’t want to bring up all the bad things that have happened to you recently. You’re on a date with a person you’re interested in — don’t be a downer.

Don’t Try To Force The Situation

You might have planned to go from dinner to a great cocktail bar (that happens to be right around the corner from your place), but maybe a great dinner was the right first step. If the first date looks to be ending early, though, do bring up seeing each other again.

Be Honest, But Don’t Be Too Revealing

Never lie on a first date — it’ll just snowball and ruin things further down the line. But that doesn’t mean that you have to tell your life story, chapter and verse. You need something to talk about on that second date, right?

Don’t Look Too Happy

Just kidding. Smile. Smile a lot.