10 First Date Blunders To Steer Clear Of

 

Meeting someone for the first time can be a pretty stressful premise, especially if it's a date. First dates are quite like a job interview, where it's all about making a good first impression. Nerves can get the better of you, and you could end up making a few irrespirable blunders that might compromise the possibility of a second date. But if you know what first date faux-pas to avoid, you might be able to hit a home run. Here are 10 of the most common first date blunders that you should steer clear of.

1. Constantly talking yourself up
Your date might not necessarily be interested in how world rotates solely around you. While it is great to share your achievements and interests, avoid constantly talking yourself up. You may come across as a pompous windbag who is completely full of themselves. On your first date, keep the conversation flowing and give your date some room to share something about themselves too.

2. TMI
There is a difference between being honest and transparent on your date, and giving away too much information. There is a time and place for everything, and first dates aren't really the time or the place to discuss your sordid past, if you have one. It might make the conversation uncomfortable, and you might end up scaring your date off. Keep the conversation casual, light and fun.

3. Interrupting and not listening
It is extremely offensive to interrupt someone who is talking to you about something. It shows that you aren't particularly interested in what they have to say. Ask intelligent questions and listen intently to what your date has to say.

4. Dressing sloppily
It is a huge turn off if you meet someone for the first time, and they look unkempt and unruly. This doesn't mean that you have to pull out your tuxedo or ball gown for your first date, but grooming yourself well is extremely important. See that your clothes are ironed, your breath smells good, your fingernails are well manicured, and that you don't have body odor. A good dresser comes across as someone who is secure and confident.

5. Being too cool for school
You're not a peacock so stop strutting about the place and acting like your date is lucky to be sitting with you. That doesn't mean that you should act incredibly needy either. Be warm, genuine and interested. That will make you more interesting than pretending to be cool.

6. Being overly flirtatious
Some light harmless flirtation never hurt anyone, but it is important that you keep it light, lest you make your date feel uncomfortable. The first date isn't the time or place to be talking about anything overly sexual.

7. Going to a place where you can't have a conversation
The venue you choose for your first date is as important as the rest of the things mentioned on this list. If you go to a club, you probably aren't going to be able to have a conversation with your date, and will just end up standing around awkwardly staring at each other and swaying to the music. Similarly, if you are planning dinner and a movie, see that the dinner happens before the movie. That way you can at least have a conversation before you sit silently together for two hours.

8. Being fake
Your first date is the time to establish whether you and your date are compatible with each other. If you are fake and aren't being yourself, how will you possibly find that out? Don't put on act and be someone you are not. You won't be able to keep up that charade for too long.

9. Getting friends to tag along
There may be safety in numbers, but definitely not where first dates are concerned. Meeting or hanging out with friends should be reserved for the second or third date. The first date is to get to know only each other; and not have any other distractions in the way.

10. Talking about meeting the parents and what you will name your kids
Conversation topics such as these are enough to send anyone running for the hills! If you are on a first date with someone, chances are that you have just met this person. You are on a date to establish whether or not you might want to pursue them romantically. Jumping the gun on meeting their parents and which pre-school you want to send your kids to are loaded topics that should never be broached upon. Taking for granted that this is Mr or Miss Right, and all details leading up to your retirement must be planned is going too far and will definitely scare them away for good. Your conversation should be casual and not related to commitment of any sort.