We've talked already, in "5 Ways To Get A Second Date," about how to make a first impression that doesn't require damage control from an expensive Hollywood PR team. The first date do's included arriving on time and holding a conversation that doesn't sound like your beer-based ramblings when "Last call!" is shouted at the local dive bar.
Now let's take a look at a few of the ways you can totally blow it. Here are 5 first date don'ts that will guarantee that you do not get a second date:
- Forgetting basic etiquette. We've left the Stone Age behind for a reason - it was cold, messy, and not very sexy. Don't spend all night texting your friends instead of interacting with your date. Don't chew with your mouth open. Don't be rude to the waitstaff and any other service professionals you encounter. Don't drink so much that you can't even remember your date's name.
- Dragging every skeleton out of your closet. There's a time and a place to discuss the more challenging moments in your past, but a first date is not it. A date should never feel that they've suddenly become your therapist. It's also wise to steer clear of topics that are clearly controversial and subjects that make you overly emotional. Light, positive fare is what's on the menu for a first date.
- Descending into "creepy" territory. Remember that on a first date, you aren't much more than a stranger. Dating is all about getting to know someone, but it's important to respect boundaries. Don't ask questions that are too personal on a first date, and don't bring up intensely sexual subject matter that may make your date feel uncomfortable. Monitor your body language and physical interactions as well.
- Being needy. Relax - this is just a first date. You don't need to bring an expensive gift as a token of your affection, and you definitely don't need to start discussing your future together. Leave the deep conversations about marriage and children for a future date.
- Lying. Never try to be someone you're not in order to impress a date. Keeping up the ruse over subsequent dates is nearly impossible and almost guaranteed to backfire. When your lies are exposed, your credibility will be gone and so will your date. Besides, you want someone to be interested in you, not in a character you've invented.