What Not to Do on the First Date

You have the meet-up location set, outfit planned, and conversation starters ready. Since we’ve already versed you on what to do to have a successful date, prepped you for the questions you should ask, and even told you about the red flags to look for, it’s only fair to mention what to avoid. Because first date jitters happen. We get it.

By no means are we saying pretend to be something you’re not, but just as a rule of thumb, keep in mind these general guidelines. Here’s our list of things to avoid to secure a second date (if you’re interested, of course).

Only talk about yourself
This is a hard no. Going on and on about yourself is a huge turn-off. Instead, take moments to ask your date about themself. Keep a balance between talking about your life and theirs.

Hold an interrogation
Oh, the barrage of questions. This is something you never want to explore on a first date. You may be interested in knowing more, but don’t make your date feel like they’re being interrogated about their life. Have a few questions up your sleeve rather than 10.

Get too drunk
Let’s leave this sloppiness in the past. Slurred words are never cute.

Talk about your ex
Hey, sometimes it comes up (briefly), and that’s OK, but dragging out the ex subject is a tired one and will give your date a major red flag.

Be late
Yikes, showing up late without a good excuse is a direct reflection of how much you care about that person’s time. You agreed to the date so plan accordingly as far as timing goes.

Entertain surface-level conversation
The point of a first date is to get to know someone on a deeper level. Enough said.

Bring up future plans for the relationship
Uh oh, settle down there. It’s exciting and tempting to want to talk about the future if you’re really into the person, but try to steer clear of scaring them away by talking about where you see your future as a couple.

Gossip or be rude to staff
Think about how it would look if your date was gossiping and being rude to the staff? Would you be turned on? We didn’t think so either.

Overthink
Overthinking can be unavoidable at times, but try to stay present and in the moment. You got them there. They like you, now relax and enjoy the date.

Interrupt and not listen to your date
Interrupting is just flat-out rude when someone is actively telling you a story. Show them you care about them by being an attentive listener.