As we all know, first dates are most often your main gateway to any romantic endeavors. It's on these dates that you and your partner get a feel for each other and see if there's real compatibility between you two. But it's also on these dates that you, without even knowing it, could be making fatal mistakes that are costing you those next-day phone calls or texts. Here are 17 things that you should avoid doing unless you want your first date to be the only one:

1. Mention your ex

Please control yourself and refrain from talking about your ex in any fashion. No one wants to waste their time on someone still hung up on a past lover.

2. Talk mostly about yourself

One too many "I" statements can really push your date over the edge. You are supposed to be conversing with your partner, after all— now is not the time to verbally write your award-winning memoir.

3. Tell TOO many embarrassing stories

And especially don't share too many stories of the gross variety during a meal…save yourself some conversation starters for future dates that you actually would like to have happen.

4. Express political/religious/social beliefs

Now is definitely NOT the time for a political debate or a religious awakening. Keep your opinions under wraps until you know each other well enough to share them comfortably. The last thing you want to do is inadvertently offend your date with something you really didn't have to say.

5. Ask your date if they ever considered changing their appearance in any way

"Did you ever think about cutting/dying your hair/losing weight? You'd look even better if you did."

…did you ever think about shutting your mouth? You'd sound even better if you did.

6. Ask your date if they plan on having sex with you

Trust me, honey— if your date is at all interested in getting it on, you won't have to wonder about it.

7. Get drunk

Nothing says "I have no self-control and have the maturity of a 12-year old" like getting wasted during a dinner date. Save the sloppiness for your buddies; your potential romantic partner isn't going to go for it.

8. Smoke without making sure your date is okay with it

Some people really hate the smell of certain smokes. Not asking prior to lighting up could cost you a future date because clearly, you have no regard for someone else's preferences. Also, you should try to mention early on in the date or even before it that you smoke or vape and ask your partner how they feel about it. It's possible that they might not want to date someone who has that kind of habit.

9. Insult their taste in music, clothes, TV, etc.

Do you hate country music? You think your date's blouse is too flashy and you really wish they'd take "Riverdale" off the air? Cool! No one cares!

10. Ask your date how they feel about you

Don't break your own heart before you've even broken the complimentary bread. It's not a good idea to immediately ask about where your date sees the relationship going. Patience is a virtue— especially when it involves your love life. Give your partner and yourself some time to sort through whatever feelings there might be between you two before you pop the question.

11. Introduce your date to your family right away

Keep Mom and Grandma and Uncle Jacob waiting just a little while longer. Not only is meeting a significant other's family is a stressful ordeal, but it also means that your relationship has already gone on to the next level. And your date might not be fully on-board with that. The same principle goes for ambushing your date with a surprise family visit— just don't do it.

12. Talk only about grades, job offers, etc.

We get it, guy— you're a brilliant biology pre-med major who's got a 3.8 GPA and a huge scholarship and a few summer internships lined up. Good for you! You'll have plenty of accomplishments to keep you warm at night when you blow this date, then. Nobody wants to feel as though they're competing with the person they're contemplating having a relationship with.

13. Talk (brag) about how "experienced" you are

Ever hear the sayings "show, don't tell" or "actions speak louder than words?" By bragging non-stop about your sexual conquests, you're only guaranteeing yourself that your night is going to be a lonely one. And if your skills leave a lot to be desired, you'll be embarrassed to have talked such a big game beforehand.

14. Ask if your date is a virgin

The last thing your date would want if they were a virgin was to be shamed for not having experience in bed yet. Just asking that question can make people so uncomfortable that they get turned off.

15. Overdress (or underdress)

Your date will feel rather silly standing next to you if you're terribly overdressed for a casual eatery or if you're shamefully underdressed for a five-star bistro. Always plan an outfit that fits the occasion at hand.

16. Check your phone too often

Put the phone down and look your date in the eyes as they speak. Unless you're waiting for an important call or text (which you should have explained to your partner already), it's really rude and off-putting to give your phone screen more attention than the person sitting across from you.

17. Constantly hint at wanting to make out or have sex with them

In a public setting, you shouldn't be trying anything overtly sexual anyway. But no matter where you are, you should be pacing yourself slowly and carefully, always gauging how your partner reacts to any remarks or attempts at physical contact you make. If they don't look like they're enjoying it, they aren't and you need to stop.

When it comes to first dates, just being yourself is the way to go; you don't want to mislead your partner into thinking you're not who you say you are. Overall, keep it relaxed, fun, and safe, and remember that what's meant to be, will be.