Dating Pet Peeves

While there is not "one size fits all" strategy to dating and making a romantic connection, there are a few universal pet peeves. Maybe you've dated someone with one of these annoying habits, or maybe you do some of them yourself. Regardless, they're a big turn-off for many people.

I think we all could learn more when it comes to dating; that there's room for improvement in everyone. So if you recognize any of the following traits in yourself - stop! Take a step back, and for your next date, try to refrain from:

Talking about yourself non-stop. Sure, we all want to portray ourselves as confident and successful - it makes you a great catch, right? While confidence is a big attractor, you can go overboard. If you spend more time talking about yourself and your list of accomplishments instead of asking your date questions, you're not engaging with her. There's no room to form a connection, so you won't.

Having no manners. Spitting food, talking with your mouth full, snorting, farting, or any bodily noises while eating aren't pretty. So be aware of table manners and brush up on keeping your mouth closed while you eat. Also - it's not necessary but if you think about it, hold open a door or two for your date. Say thank you for a nice meal. Little gestures and acknowledgments go a long way in dating and set you apart from the rest.

Bad hygiene, bad kissing. Remember to put on deodorant before you leave the house and brush your teeth. At the very least, carry mints with you. Nobody wants to smell stale breath or body odor while on a date. (Also, don't be a sloppy wet kisser...)

Being a lush. I've dated men who drank a lot during dates to put themselves at ease. Women do this, too. It's not attractive. When you're slurring words and your date is wondering whether you're going to puke in his pasta, it's not a turn-on. You end up looking like a jerk. So limit yourself, even if you feel nervous. Trust me, it's better to be nervous than to be drunk.

Being rude. Don't treat your waitstaff like they are beneath you. Nothing is more of a turn-off than someone who acts superior. Be respectful of everyone on your date - the valet, waiter, taxi driver, etc. It shows how you behave in relationships. And remember to tip.

Checking your phone every two minutes. While it's easy to say you're on call for work so you can keep glancing through your texts, it's very rude and dismissive to a date. So turn off your phones or leave them at home. You can spend a couple of hours offline.