Like most people, I am sure you have heard what not to do when it comes to the do's and don'ts of first dates. And I am sure that you have ignored those little pieces of advice when It came to a date along the way. Sorry in advance if I just made you picture some of life's most scariest and embarrassing moments. I hope you feel better when I say it happens a lot more than you think and it happens to the best of us. Whether or not you choose to take my advice, here are five "no no's" of first dates.
1. Don't focus on impressing your date
We all do this at one point in our lives. Impressing someone in a successful manner can boost confidence up 100%, and that feels so good. But in the case of a date, impressing someone doesn't guarantee you a second one so just simply be yourself. We tend to impress our date without even realizing it sometimes. It could be a dinner date and ordering the most exotic thing on the menu, and finishing it even though you know you'll pay for it later. It's as if we want our dates to immediately come up with a list of compliments, without either having to say a word. In the end, it is not worth it, because if your date hasn't gotten to know you for who you truly are, then do they really love YOU or the idea of you?
2. Do not always attempt to hold hands at the movies on your first date
I feel like I play the same scenario in my head every time someone mentions a failed date at a movie theater. The lights start to dim, you start sharing the popcorn and next thing you know the popcorn is gone and the movie is halfway over. That short burst of confidence comes around, and you start to think, "Well, what comes next?" Being confident in a relationship is a vital skill, but a first date movie night is sadly not the definition of a relationship. Everyone is familiar with the inch over move while putting your arm on the back of your dates seat. Truth be told, I have only ever seen that move successful (for the duration of the movie) in TV shows. In real life, you start to inch over, the other person pretends they are not paying attention, but when it starts to become uncomfortable, they suddenly need to go refill their popcorn bucket. I think it's safe to say that if you want a better guarantee of that second date, just stick with sharing the popcorn.
3. Don't plan an exotic date night
Unless you have known your date for quite some time, it's essential to keep some things in mind while planning your big day. When planning your first date, it's rather important to plan something that will fit both of your interests, but it is also important to not go all out and plan for the BEST night ever. That can quickly transition to the worst night ever. Dates can be planned with simplicity and still be a huge success. So, instead of renting a kayak and planning a hike in the woods with a picnic, you could walk to a local lake and have a picnic there. The views will still be stunning. This will save you the horrific memory of flipping over in a kayak, getting lost in the woods and misplacing your picnic basket because everything is a mess.
4. Don't embarrass your date
When you form a close relationship with someone, there is a countless number of times where you or the other will be embarrassed and you'll laugh for hours about it. But for a first date, it is important to remember that the first impression is the most important because it is the longest lasting impression. Even with amazing memories towards the end of your date, if you started off by accidentally spilling water on their clothes or tipping over their popcorn and everything in between, you may be in for a world of hurt. Chances are, they may not be totally sure about you and might decide to friendzone you and keep looking. So until you AND your date become comfortable with each other, stay chill and good luck!
5. Don't get distracted while on your date!
I know you're wondering if I am being literal about this last one. The truth is, I am but I am also not. It depends on how literal you want to take it. If your date catches you not being fully committed to the night you have together, they might call it quits early. This means if your closest friends show up at the same place you are during your date, you can wave and say hello but that's about it. It's rude to do otherwise. Your date will immediately wonder who you're really there for when you run over to your group of friends like a maniac. That's not the best way to begin or end a possible relationship.
I am not saying none of these instances can happen on a first date, but take it easy until you really get to know the person you're interested in. Always remember to be yourself while on a date; you have to show them who they are on a date with. If your first date goes well, it may lead to a second and third date and so much more.
