Ah, the excitement and jitters of a first date! It’s like stepping into the unknown, where every word and action carries weight. In this modern era of dating, filled with millennials and Gen Zers, it’s crucial to approach that first encounter with style, wit, and a dash of creativity. So, buckle up and get ready as we dive into the top 20 things you should never say or do on a first date. Trust us, avoiding these epic fails will ensure a memorable and successful evening of romance!
1. Don’t Mention Your Ex Like an Oscar-Winning Drama: Brace yourself, folks, because here’s the ultimate conversation killer: talking about your ex. We get it, everyone has a past, but save the melodrama for another time. Focus on getting to know your date instead of rehashing past heartaches. Remember, you’re the star of this show, so leave the exes backstage.
2. Avoid Ordering the Most Expensive Dish Like a High Roller: Sure, you want to impress your date, but going for the lobster and caviar might raise a few eyebrows. Keep it casual and choose something that allows you to enjoy the meal without breaking the bank. Confidence is attractive, but so is being mindful of your budget.
3. Never Play the Game of “Who Can Talk Louder” Like a Debate Show: A first date is not a contest to see who can dominate the conversation. Engage in a lively exchange, but remember to listen attentively and show genuine interest in your date’s stories and opinions. It’s all about finding a harmonious balance and creating a connection.
4. Steer Clear of Controversial Topics Like a Political Debater: While you may be passionate about politics, religion, or conspiracy theories, save those discussions for later dates. Controversial topics can ignite fiery debates and potentially spoil the mood. Keep the conversation light and enjoyable, leaving plenty of room for laughter and fun.
5. Don’t Keep Your Phone as Your Date’s Unwelcome Third Wheel: Nothing screams “I’m not interested” more than constantly checking your phone during a date. Give your undivided attention to your date and show them that they are your priority. Your Instagram feed can wait, but a potential connection may not.
6. Avoid Sharing Your Entire Life Story Like a Soap Opera Marathon: While it’s important to be open and honest, keep a bit of mystery alive. Don’t unload your entire life story on the first date, leaving your date with no room to ask questions or contribute to the conversation. Let the layers of your personality unfold gradually, like a captivating TV series.
7. Don’t Critique Your Date’s Appearance Like a Fashion Police Officer: We all have our own unique sense of style, and while it’s great to appreciate fashion, refrain from making negative comments about your date’s clothing choices. Compliments go a long way, so focus on highlighting the things you genuinely appreciate about their appearance.
8. Skip the Endless Self-Promotion Like a Sales Pitch: Confidence is attractive, but boasting endlessly about your achievements and talents can come across as self-absorbed. Share your accomplishments naturally as the conversation flows, but also give your date the opportunity to shine and share their own successes.
9. Don’t Bring Up Marriage and Baby Names Like a Fortune Teller: First dates are about getting to know each other, not planning a wedding or naming your future children. Keep the conversation light-hearted and focus on the present moment rather than getting ahead of yourself. Let the future unfold naturally as your connection deepens.
10. Avoid Going on and on About Your Pet Like a Fur-Baby Enthusiast: We get it, your pet is adorable and holds a special place in your heart. But bombarding your date with an endless stream of pet stories might leave them feeling like they’re on a date with your furry friend instead of you. Share a few cute anecdotes, but remember to focus on building a connection with your human companion.
11. Steer Clear of Negative Vibes Like a Dark Cloud: Nobody wants to spend their first date listening to a laundry list of complaints and grievances. Leave your negativity at the door and bring your positive energy to the table. Smile, laugh, and create an atmosphere of happiness and joy. Positivity is contagious, and it can make your first date a truly delightful experience.
12. Don’t Engage in Excessive PDA Like a Public Display of Awkwardness: Sure, physical attraction is important, but save the passionate kisses and intense cuddling for a more private setting. Keep the public displays of affection (PDA) to a minimum and focus on getting to know each other on a deeper emotional level. Your connection will be all the more meaningful.
13. Avoid Being a Chatterbox Like a Talk Show Host: While it’s essential to contribute to the conversation, be mindful of giving your date a chance to speak. Engage in a dialogue rather than delivering a monologue. Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to their responses. Remember, it’s a two-way street, and the conversation should flow naturally between both parties.
14. Don’t Criticize Your Date’s Taste in Music Like a Judgmental DJ: Music is a deeply personal and subjective experience. Even if your date’s taste in music differs from yours, respect their preferences and be open to exploring new sounds together. Embrace the opportunity to share and discover new artists, creating a unique soundtrack for your budding romance.
16. Avoid Being Fashionably Late Like a Celebrity Diva: Punctuality is a virtue that should not be overlooked. Arriving late on a first date sends a message that you don’t value the other person’s time. Be respectful and make an effort to be on time or even a few minutes early. It shows that you’re enthusiastic about the date and genuinely interested in getting to know your companion.
17. Steer Clear of Excessive Drinking Like a Party Animal: A first date is not the time to channel your inner party animal or drown your nerves in alcohol. Enjoy a drink or two if you wish, but pace yourself and remain in control. Being coherent and present will allow for meaningful conversations and a more authentic connection.
18. Don’t Overshare Personal Details Like a Reality TV Star: While it’s important to be open and honest, avoid divulging deeply personal or intimate details too early on. Keep the conversation light and focus on getting to know each other’s interests, passions, and hobbies. Save the more intimate conversations for a later stage in your budding relationship.
18. Avoid Being a Constant Selfie-Taker Like a Social Media Influencer: Yes, capturing a few photos of your special moments can be fun, but constantly taking selfies throughout the date can be distracting and give the impression that you’re more interested in documenting the experience for social media than genuinely connecting with your date. Put the phone down and be present in the moment.
19. Don’t Dominate the Conversation Like a Stand-Up Comedian: It’s great to have a sense of humour and make your date laugh, but be mindful of allowing them to contribute to the conversation as well. A first date is about establishing a connection and finding common ground. Give each other equal time and space to share stories and experiences.
20. Avoid Jumping to Conclusions Like a Psychic Medium: First impressions can be powerful, but they’re not always accurate. Avoid making hasty judgments or assuming you know everything about your date based on initial observations. Give them a fair chance to unfold their personality and reveal their true selves. Remember, love and connection are built over time.
Navigating the modern dating scene as a millennial or Gen Zer can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. By avoiding these 20 epic fails on a first date, you can set the stage for a memorable and successful evening. Remember to be authentic, engage in meaningful conversations, and show genuine interest in your date’s life and experiences. Embrace the fun, creativity, and spontaneity of the moment, and let the magic of connection unfold. With a touch of sophistication and a whole lot of personality, you’ll be well on your way to creating a love story for the modern age. So, go out there, enjoy the journey, and may your first dates be filled with laughter, joy, and the potential for lasting romance.
Love,
Team LadyInRoseGold
