10 First Date Don’ts

Two things you should never do on a first date: Fart. Use a coupon. Here are 10 more things, perhaps less obvious, that you should also never do on a first date…

Dates can be incredibly nerve wracking; especially first dates — where, essentially, you get only one chance to make a first impression. Agonizing over your hair, your makeup, what to wear - that all goes with the territory. But worrying about your appearance is just one component of first date prep.

Once you’ve decided on your look, there’s the issue of mental preparation. There are certain behaviors that are guaranteed to suck all the positive energy out of the room. Need a hint? Don’t fart! And NEVER use a coupon (including that “Buy one get one half off” coupon you just happen to have for the restaurant you’re going to).

Aside from these obvious non-negotiable behaviors, what are some other things you should NEVER do on a first date? Paul A. Falzone CEO of eLove, offers these 10 things you should never do and on a first date and why.

#1 Never talk about your ex – pretty self-explanatory. Talking about the ex tells your date you’re either: (a.) bitter, (b.) still hung up on them or (c.) both.

#2 Don’t talk about religion and politics. Most people have fairly strong opinions on both. On a first date, you really don’t want the conversation to get that heavy. There will be a time for those topics if things progress.

#3 Never talk about your salary or your date’s – again, money doesn’t make for good first date fodder. If you’re talking about how much you make, it could be construed as bragging or complaining. Inquiring about how much your date makes just doesn’t create a good first impression.

#4 Never take calls on your cell phone – put your phone on vibrate and put it out of sight.

#5 No texting – if you’re serious in getting to know this person, they deserve 100% of your attention. In most cases, whatever text you’re receiving doesn’t require a response right that second.

#6 Never expect your date to pay for everything – for many men, it’s a pride thing and they just won’t let their dates pay for anything. That’s fine, but you should always offer. If it’s a first date where you’re just getting to know each other or this is the first time you’ve met in person, it’s not unreasonable for it to be Dutch treat. Whatever you do, do not discuss who’s paying until you’re ready to pay the check.

#7 Never make future date plans during the date – again, the first date is a chance to get to know each other. Even if the date is going well, do not commit to a second date during the first date. You owe it to yourself to go home and reflect before taking the next step.

#8 Never bring gifts or accept gifts on the first date – yeah, a guy giving flowers on a date is romantic. It’s also a gesture that’s much more fitting after you’ve been seeing somebody. A gift on the first date almost begs the question: is this really you?

#9 Never eat or drink to excess – first dates are about first impressions. Stuffing your face or drinking to the point of intoxication does not typically achieve that objective. That doesn’t mean abstention, just moderation.

#10 Never go to the movies on a first date – the idea is to get to know each other. Sitting in a dark movie theater doesn’t lend itself well to conversation. Invariably, the only thing you end up talking about is the movie.

So tell us… what are some things you think one should NEVER do on a first date? Do you have any first date horror stories or red-face moments?