15 Things You Should Never Do On A Date, Going on a date can be exciting, but it also brings a fair amount of pressure to make a good impression.
While everyone makes mistakes, there are a few things you should definitely avoid doing to ensure that the date goes smoothly and that you leave a positive impression.
To help you navigate the dating world with confidence and success, here’s a list of 15 things you should never do on a date.
1. Don’t Talk Only About Yourself
It’s natural to want to share details about your life when you’re getting to know someone, but constantly talking about yourself without giving your date the opportunity to share their thoughts can quickly become off-putting. A conversation should be a two-way street. If you monopolize the conversation, your date may feel unheard or unimportant.
Why it’s harmful: Talking only about yourself can make you seem self-centered and uninterested in your date. Everyone wants to feel like they’re being listened to and valued, so it’s important to ask questions, show curiosity about your date’s life, and share the conversation.
ALSO READ:-
- 15 Harmful Things Toxic Partners Say
- 10 Surprising Reasons Why Girls Like Bad Boys
- 10 Signs A Guy Is Pretending To Love You
- 15 Signs You’re in an Abusive Relationship
- 15 Signs Your Partner Is A Control Freak
2. Don’t Use Your Phone Constantly
Using your phone during a date can be a major turn-off. Constantly checking texts, scrolling through social media, or even texting during the conversation can give the impression that you’re not fully invested in the experience or that you don’t value your date’s time.
Why it’s harmful: Using your phone excessively on a date makes your date feel like they’re not important enough to earn your full attention. It’s disrespectful and can break the flow of the conversation, making it difficult for both of you to connect.
3. Don’t Talk About Sensitive Topics Too Early
It’s tempting to dive into deep or personal topics, especially if you’re feeling a connection. However, talking about sensitive issues like politics, religion, or past trauma too early can create unnecessary tension. These discussions should be reserved for later when you’ve built trust and established a solid foundation.
Why it’s harmful: Jumping into sensitive topics right away can overwhelm your date and create discomfort. It may also lead to disagreements that could have been avoided if you had taken the time to establish rapport first.
4. Don’t Be Rude to the Staff
Whether you’re at a restaurant, café, or any other public setting, how you treat the staff says a lot about you. If you’re rude, dismissive, or disrespectful to the people serving you, it will reflect poorly on your character and your date’s impression of you.
Why it’s harmful: Rudeness towards staff can make you seem entitled and inconsiderate. It also shows a lack of empathy and can make your date uncomfortable. A kind and polite demeanor towards others reflects well on your character and shows maturity.
5. Don’t Show Up Late Without a Good Reason
Punctuality is important when you’re dating, as it shows respect for your date’s time. Showing up late without informing them in advance can make you seem disorganized, inconsiderate, and uninterested in the date.
Why it’s harmful: Being late without a valid reason shows a lack of respect for your date. It sets a negative tone for the evening and can create frustration or disappointment. If you are running late, make sure to communicate as early as possible to minimize the inconvenience.
6. Don’t Drink Too Much
While it’s perfectly fine to have a drink on a date, overindulging can lead to awkward situations or even regretful behavior. Drinking too much can impair your judgment, affect your conversation, and make you appear less responsible or in control of yourself.
Why it’s harmful: Excessive drinking can lead to embarrassing moments and an inability to focus on the date. It can also come across as irresponsible or disrespectful, making your date feel uncomfortable or like they’re babysitting you. Moderation is key.
7. Don’t Be Negative About Everything
While it’s okay to express some concerns or frustrations occasionally, constantly complaining or having a negative attitude can bring down the mood of the entire date. Nobody wants to spend their time with someone who sees the glass as always half-empty.
Why it’s harmful: Being overly negative makes you seem bitter, pessimistic, or difficult to be around. A positive attitude, on the other hand, can create a much more enjoyable atmosphere and make your date feel more at ease.
8. Don’t Forget Basic Manners
Basic manners, like saying “please” and “thank you,” holding doors open, and maintaining polite table etiquette, are essential when dating. Small gestures of courtesy can have a big impact and set a positive tone for the evening.
Why it’s harmful: Failing to show basic manners can make you seem unrefined, rude, or disrespectful. Good manners are a sign of maturity and consideration, which are qualities most people look for in a partner.
9. Don’t Talk About Exes Too Much
While it’s natural to have a past, continuously bringing up exes or comparing your date to them is a huge red flag. It makes your date feel like they’re competing with someone from your past and can make the whole situation awkward.
Why it’s harmful: Talking about exes too much creates insecurity and takes attention away from your date. It suggests that you’re not over your previous relationships and can even make your date feel uncomfortable, as though they’re constantly being compared to someone else.
10. Don’t Be Too Pushy About Future Plans
After a great date, it’s exciting to think about future plans, but being too eager or pushing for a follow-up date too soon can feel overwhelming. It’s important to take things at a natural pace and allow the relationship to develop organically.
Why it’s harmful: Pressuring someone for future plans before they’re ready can make them feel rushed or trapped. It can create unnecessary pressure and can push them away. It’s important to let your date express their interest in future plans without feeling coerced.
11. Don’t Forget to Dress Appropriately
Your appearance plays an important role in making a good impression. Dressing appropriately for the date, considering the venue and activity, shows that you put thought and effort into your appearance and that you respect the occasion.
Why it’s harmful: Dressing inappropriately can make you appear inconsiderate or thoughtless. It can also make your date feel uncomfortable if they feel you didn’t make an effort or if your attire doesn’t match the occasion. It’s important to strike a balance between looking good and dressing suitably.
12. Don’t Be Distracted
Whether it’s constantly checking your watch, looking around the room, or getting distracted by other things in your environment, being disengaged from your date is a big no-no. It makes your date feel unimportant and that you’re not truly invested in the moment.
Why it’s harmful: Distraction shows a lack of respect and interest in the person sitting across from you. It creates an emotional distance and makes it difficult for your date to feel like they’re connecting with you. Stay engaged and focused on them to build rapport.
13. Don’t Fake Who You Are
It’s tempting to put on a facade to impress your date, but pretending to be someone you’re not is always a bad idea. Authenticity is key to building a genuine connection. Trying to be someone you’re not will only lead to disappointment and confusion down the line.
Why it’s harmful: Faking who you are creates a false foundation for the relationship. It can lead to misunderstandings and broken trust when your true self eventually comes out. Be yourself and allow your date to get to know the real you.
14. Don’t Talk Over or Interrupt
Interrupting your date when they’re speaking is disrespectful and shows that you’re not fully listening to them. It also prevents them from fully expressing themselves and makes the conversation feel one-sided.
Why it’s harmful: Constantly talking over someone can create frustration and resentment. It makes the other person feel unheard and disrespected. Practice active listening and allow your date to express their thoughts and opinions fully before responding.
15. Don’t Bring Up Inappropriate Jokes
Humor can be a great way to break the ice, but inappropriate jokes or humor that’s offensive or hurtful can quickly derail a date. Making jokes about sensitive topics, like race, gender, or religion, can create discomfort and cause your date to question your values.
Why it’s harmful: Inappropriate jokes can come across as disrespectful or inconsiderate. They can make your date uncomfortable and put you in a negative light. Stick to light-hearted, neutral humor that brings people together rather than divides them.
Final Thoughts
Dating can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, and while it’s natural to make mistakes, being aware of certain behaviors that are commonly seen as red flags can help you make a positive impression.
By avoiding the things listed above, you’ll set yourself up for a more successful and enjoyable date, and you’ll build a strong foundation for any potential relationship.
Remember, mutual respect, kindness, and good communication are the keys to any lasting connection.
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
