While recently in a Drybar getting my hair done for the holidays, I stumbled across one of my favorite rom-coms: "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days." Because my appointment took awhile, I was able to watch the better half of the movie, and I began to realize that, with this generation that is so filled with technology, media, and image, there is an entirely new set of "don'ts" if you want to keep your significant other around. In order to show this, I have employed the help of one very lovely and kooky lady (who I identify with more than the average girl), "New Girl's" own Jessica Day.
Take a few tips from Jess if you'd like to know exactly how to make your dates and relationships go disastrously wrong.
1. Flirt horribly.
For the most part, people are looking to date people with good social skills. Proper flirting is a good indication of one's social aptitude. For Jess here, her flirting is much more awkward and forced than calm and natural. However, the opposite end of the spectrum is just as bad. Overly cocky and inappropriate flirting can scare someone away just as quickly as awkward and uncomfortable flirting.
2. Constantly awfulize.
When first dating someone, it isn't very exciting to hear all about the skeletons in the other person's closet. Save some of that sob story for when you actually know the person.
3. Become obsessive.
While the modern term "thirsty" is a far too sexist remark to be legitimate, obsessive relationships are far from optimal. Social media has definitely made this sort of thing worse. Now dating/"talking" involves a lot of worrying over who texts more, accidentally liking an Instagram photo from 189 weeks ago mid-stalk, and getting upset over your crush not favoriting your selfie on Twitter.
4. Invent your own innuendos.
Enough said. Chances are, these things don't make sense to anyone but you.
5. Over-do your passions and beliefs.
When you go on a date with someone, you want to get to know them and understand their likes and dislikes, not feel violated by the other person getting on their soapbox and shoving their beliefs down your throat.
6. Fall too hard too fast.
99 percent of the reasons why 99 percent of Ted Mosby's relationships failed were because of one simple thing: He fell way too hard way too fast. We all remember the infamous pilot episode, in which he tells Robin that he's in love with her on their first date. Nothing scares someone away like confessing undying affection way too soon.
7. Reveal embarrassing secrets.
Sure, we all want to get to know the person we are dating, but there are just some weird things that are better left in the privacy of the mind.
8. Be immature.
As much as we used to love those Lisa Frank stickers and notepads, it gets a little weird when they show up on your possessions in your adult life. There comes a point in every person's life when they must grow up and enter the dating world, preferably leaving their Polly Pockets behind.
9. Dress inappropriately.
If your date is nice enough to take you to a fancy restaurant, it might be best to leave the rave bra and spandex at home. The same goes for guys as well. Word of advice: Don't wear Chubbies when meeting the girl's parents.
10. Overthink simple things.
It's normal to be nervous in a new relationship, but if you catch yourself smiling like Chandler Bing does in photographs, you might want to calm yourself down a bit.
11. Try to be too trendy.
Modern lingo is good to a certain extent, but if you have completely lost the ability to form a sentence without saying "AF" or "dank," then we might have a problem.
So there you have it! 11 fail safe ways to ruin an early relationship in the current generation. Keep in mind, I don't actually subscribe to most of these. I tend to believe that people's quirks are unique and worth preserving. But, being the social media involved person I am, I can't help but pick up on the vibes of my fellow young adults. Happy dating, generationals!
