10 Worst Things You Can Do On A Date

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Heading into a date, it’s like our minds become a whirlwind of hopes, questions, and what-ifs. “What if this is the one?” we find ourselves pondering, heart racing with the possibility. There’s this cocktail of emotions bubbling up inside us—excitement, nervousness, and, let’s be honest, a fair share of stress. It’s like we’re walking a tightrope, trying to balance our desire to impress with the fear of making a faux pas that sends them running for the hills.

In this dance of dos and don’ts, it’s so easy to lose sight of the most important thing: being yourself. Amidst the chaos of preparing, the ultimate goal is to connect, to find someone who clicks with the real you. So, take a deep breath, and remember, while it’s great to put your best foot forward, make sure it’s your foot, not someone you think they want to see.

Here’s 10 of the worst things you can do on a date and therefore, things you should avoid.

1. Being Late

Nothing says “I don’t care” quite like strolling in late for a date. It’s a surefire way to start things off on the wrong foot. Imagine you’ve spent hours getting ready, only to be left waiting and wondering if they’re even going to show up.

It’s not just about wasting time; it’s about showing respect. If you’re running late, a quick message can go a long way. But try not to make it a habit. Your time is valuable, and so is theirs.

2. Glued to Your Phone

Unfortunately, these days, it seems that our phones are like a third arm! There are actually studies that provide evidence that phones and social media are ruining romantic relationships and it’s not hard to believe!

Ever been mid-conversation and realized the other person hasn’t looked up from their phone once? Yeah, not fun. Being on your phone during a date is like telling the person right in front of you that they’re just not that interesting.

Put the phone on silent. Better yet, put it away. The world won’t end if you’re not up to date on every notification. Plus, giving your date your undivided attention might just make for a memorable evening.

If you do have to have your phone close by for a valid reason (e.g.: you’re a doctor, someone you know is at the hospital, you have kids and need to be able to pick up if they need you), let your date know ahead of time. Don’t let them wonder why you’re taking calls during your date which could lead them to think you simply don’t care.

3. Not Letting the Other Person Talk

A conversation is a two-way street. If you find yourself doing all the talking, it’s time to hit the brakes. Ask questions, listen, and show that you’re interested in what they have to say. It’s not just about being polite; it’s about building a connection. You might discover you have more in common than you thought.

If you’re on the other side, remember that people who do all the talking aren’t always just people with a big ego. Some people are just taken over by stress and talking a lot is a way to cope and try to appear confident. A great way to help them relax is letting them know you’re happy to be on a date with them and getting to know their real self.

4. Lacking a Plan for the Date

Winging it can be fun, but showing up without any plan at all? That’s just asking for trouble. It doesn’t have to be a minute-by-minute itinerary, but having a general idea of what you’ll be doing shows you’ve put some thought into the date. It could be as simple as a walk in the park followed by coffee. Having a plan can help ease those first-date jitters, too.

5. Talking About Exes

Ah, the classic faux pas. Diving into tales about your ex is a quick way to make things awkward. It’s like saying, “Hey, just so you know, you’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill.”

Keep the conversation light and focus on getting to know each other instead. There’s plenty of time to discuss past relationships later on, if things progress.

6. Being Rude to Service Staff

How someone treats service staff is a window into their character. Snapping at the waiter or being overly demanding can leave a sour taste, and not just in your meal. Try to pay attention to other smaller behaviors like not saying “thank you” or “hello” to waiters. It will give you good insight into who they really are. It’s about kindness and respect. Remember, a simple “please” and “thank you” can go a long way.

7. Not Having a Plan for Afterwards

Ever had a great time, and then suddenly, the date just… ends? Having a loose idea for after the main event can keep the good times rolling. Maybe suggest grabbing dessert somewhere or taking a scenic route back.

It’s about keeping the momentum going and making the most of your time together. If things went really well, feel free to also hint at a next date to let the person know you’re interested. Clear communication avoids a lot of confusion and mixed signals interpretation.

8. Ignoring Personal Hygiene

First impressions matter, and part of that is showing up looking (and smelling) your best. It’s not just about dressing to impress; it’s about showing you care. A little effort goes a long way in making your date feel special and valued.

9. Making the Date Too Personal, Too Fast

Sharing is caring, but oversharing is overwhelming. Spilling your deepest secrets on a first date can be too much, too soon. Keep things light to start. There’s plenty of time to get into the nitty-gritty of your life story once you’ve both decided you want to know more.

10. Forgetting to Ask Questions About Your Date

A date is an opportunity to get to know someone, not a platform for a monologue. Show interest in their life, their passions, and their opinions. It’s not just about being polite; it’s about finding those points of connection that could turn a first date into something more.

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