First Date Faux Pas: What NOT to Do
A first date can be super exciting… or super awkward. You’ve matched with someone on a dating app and you’re eager to make a good impression. But first impressions aren’t always easy to come by — especially when you’re feeling nervous.
To help you avoid any uncomfortable moments, here are four things NOT to do on a first date.
Don’t forget to pick the right venue
The location of your first date can set the tone for the whole evening, so it’s important to choose wisely.
If you’re meeting someone for the first time, it might be best to avoid loud bars or clubs. Instead, opt for a quiet restaurant or coffee shop where you can have a conversation without yelling at each other.
If you’re planning on doing something active, like going for a hike or playing tennis, make sure it’s something both of you will enjoy.
Don’t try too hard to impress
When it comes to first dates, it’s important to be yourself. Don’t try to fit into some image of who you think they want you to be.
Be confident in who you are and let your true personality shine through. If they end up not liking you for who you are, then it wasn’t meant to be anyways.
Don’t talk about your ex
This one should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people make the mistake of bringing up their ex on a first date. Not only is it a major turn-off, but it also makes it seem like you’re not over your last relationship.
If your date asks about your past, keep your answer brief and avoid going into too much detail. This is definitely not the time to badmouth your ex or talk about any messy breakups.
Remember, you want your date to like you — not your ex!
Check out my guide: Building Better Relationships
Don’t get too personal too quickly
There’s nothing wrong with being open and honest on a first date. But there’s also no need to spill all the details of your life story within the first hour.
Getting too personal too quickly can make your date feel uncomfortable or like they’re being interrogated. Stick to light topics like work, hobbies, and current events until you get to know each other better.
Once you feel more comfortable with each other, you can start sharing more personal details.
Don’t talk about your crazy nights out
We all like to let loose and have fun every once in a while. But there’s no need to brag about how much alcohol you can consume or the wild parties you go to on a regular basis.
First dates are all about making a good impression and talking about your excessive drinking habits is not going to do that.
If your date asks about your social life, simply say that you enjoy going out with friends and leave it at that. There’s no need to give them a play-by-play of every crazy night out you’ve had!
Don’t be late!
This one should be pretty obvious, but unfortunately it still happens far too often. Being late for a first date sends the wrong message right from the start.
It tells your date that you don’t value their time and that you’re not really that interested in meeting them. If you know you’re going to be running late, call or text them as soon as possible so they don’t think you stood them up!
And if possible, try to arrive 10–15 minutes early so you don’t have to rushed or flustered when meeting them for the first time.”
Final thoughts
A first date can be nerve-wracking enough without having to worry about making any embarrassing mistakes. By avoiding these four common faux pas, you can rest assured knowing that you’re on your way to impressing your date and maybe even scoring a second one!
Check out my guide: Building Better Relationships
If you enjoy reading stories like these and want to support me as a writer, consider signing up to become a Medium member. It’s only $5 a month and gives you unlimited access to all stories on Medium. If you sign up using my link, I’ll earn a small commission.
