Zoosk Celebrates National Pet Peeve Week (Part II)

Zoosk's countdown of the top 10 biggest dating pet peeves began with texting, tardiness, talking about your ex, and turning things physical too quickly. What else do daters want to vent about during National Pet Peeve Week?

Let's check out pet peeves 6-10:

Not paying attention: If you're not paying attention to someone, it sends them the message that you're not really interested in them. If you're genuinely not interested in getting to know them, it might be time to rethink your dating strategy. If you are, you're sending all the wrong signals. Put your active listening skills to good use when your date is talking and ask thoughtful questions to show that you're engaged and paying attention. Then contribute to the conversation when it's your turn to do the talking and make an honest effort to get to know your date.

Bad table manners: Miss Manners is right - a little good etiquette goes a very long way. A date should take your breath away, not your appetite. Chew with your mouth closed like your mother taught you. Use your utensils rather than your hands, don't pick at your teeth, and remember that your palm is not an acceptable substitute for a napkin. Observe proper hygiene procedures pre-date, and show up showered, groomed, and smelling your most enticing.

Getting drunk: Elliot has a serious pet peeve - "I think the worst thing pet peeve on a date is when you go to a nice restaurant with someone 'special', and they get unbelievably drunk, take off all their clothes and start dancing around with spaghetti on their head!" Sounds like solid advice to me. Your head should be clear when you're meeting someone, especially if it's a first date. Ability to start a raging bar fight or have a breakdown in the bathroom are not generally sought-after qualities in a date.

Negativity: Negativity is a major attraction killer for both men and women. Your date wants to be surrounded by positive, uplifting people, not someone who brings the mood crashing down around them, so check your negative attitude at the door. Steer clear of depressing or heated topics like death, politics, illness, and religion, and focus on lighter fare like hobbies and favorite movies. If you find yourself in a negative hole that you can't find your way out of, take Latin's advice and reschedule: "I understand you may had a bad day at work. Yet, if your gonna be in a bad mood on a date, then don't go on the date. I rather wait and have you when your cheerful and in a good mood."

Not even pretending to reach for your wallet: For many people it's just the thought that counts, but offering to go dutch is a polite gesture whether or not your offer is accepted. Reaching for the bill shows that you're not spoiled or entitled, and tells your date that you truly appreciate when you're treated to a meal.

Talking about marriage and kids: Unless you already have children, kids and marriage are not appropriate conversation topics on a first date. Starting a major discussion about the future of the relationship sets unreasonable expectations and is a huge turn off.

For more on this online dating service you can read our Zoosk review.