FIRST DATE NO NO'S: HAVE YOU COMMITTED A SERIOUS FAUX PAS?
According to Webster’s dictionary, a faux pas is a false step or blunder, especially a social blunder. Although everybody blunders now and again, with a little preparation you can lessen your chances of being the central character in someone else’s “worst first date” story.
There are literally thousands of blunders you could commit in an evening, but here are the top ten avoidable mistakes as determined by an online dating survey:
1. Arriving late/not ready on time for the date
This ranks very high on the rudeness scale and is one of the fastest ways to ensure the first date will be your last date. If you are unavoidably detained, at least call ahead to let your date know what has happened.
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2. Dressing too casually or messy
This sends a powerful negative message that you don’t care enough about the date to pay attention to your attire. Most people will find this very insulting.
3. Bragging or talking too much about yourself
Remember the old cliché that we have two ears and one mouth because listening is twice as important as talking? If you don’t, here’s your reminder that your date wants to get a word in edgewise, too.
4. Badmouthing your ex-girlfriend/boyfriend
This is a major turn-off for most people. It’s a sign of immaturity and your date will probably be wondering what you’ll say about him or her at a later date.
5. Checking out other women/men
When you’re out on a first date, it’s extremely demeaning to the other person if you spend your time ogling others. Keep your eyes to yourself and your focus on the date.
6. Rude behavior toward waiters or service people
Rude behavior shows that you lack common courtesy. How long before you start being rude to the person you’re dating?
7. Bad table manners
Slurping soup, eating with your fingers, picking food off of the table, or any other behavior that your mother taught you not to do is strictly off limits. If in doubt about what’s appropriate, go to the library and check out a “Miss Manners” etiquette book before your date to brush up on the basics.
8. Touching, groping or fondling
Bad, bad, bad. Don’t, don’t, don’t. Enough said.
9. Answering your cell phone during the date
Again, anything that distracts you from focusing on the date is a no no. Turn your cell phone off, or at least turn the ringer off for the duration. Yes, even after dinner.
10. Assuming the date will end in sex
This has got to be the biggest blunder you can make, and it’s most often made by men (sorry, guys). You are absolutely, positively NOT entitled to sex after the date.
Do you see yourself in any of these? If so then learn from your past mistakes so you’re less likely to repeat them. And if you do commit a blunder, apologize sincerely and perhaps your date will give you the benefit of the doubt and another chance to make a good impression.
