Online dating in itself can be tough. However, what can be even tougher is landing a second date with someone you like! While first dates can feel good, it can feel terrible if we never make it to that elusive second date where we can start progressing towards a real relationship. If you’re ready to land that second date, here are seven things NOT to do on a first date:
1. Don’t Try So Hard
Many men and women make the mistake of trying way too hard to impresse the other person, or qualify themselves. This often backfires and makes the person appear nervous and insecure. Let your good qualities unfold naturally and be sure you’re not forcing anything.
2. Don’t Talk About an Ex
Talking about your ex on a first date can only backfire. Doing this reveals you may not be over your past. Save this more intimate and revealing conversation for a follow up date.
3. Don’t Lie in Your Profile
Some men and women lie about key details in their online dating profile, such as height, weight, job, etc. They think once they get their foot in the door, their dates won’t care. Big mistake! This officially sets the person up as a liar from the get-go, which will likely have the other person avoiding a second date.
4. Don’t Push Your Humorous Side
Making the other person laugh is one of the best things you can do on a first date. However, you should be sure to not try too hard. If the jokes come out naturally, perfect. But acting like you are a stand-up comedian that is trying to make a presentation is not attractive. It will come across as calculated and like you’re trying too hard to impress your date. Just be yourself. And if you have a decent personality, your fun side will come out naturally.
5. Don’t Drink Too Much
Drinking too much leads to poor decision-making, clumsiness, and bad behavior. The interactions on a first date should be genuine, not influenced by liquor. Save the partying for a future date.
6. Don’t Cross the Intimacy Boundary
Tempted to ask your date about sexual experiences? Don’t. Keep your lips sealed on anything overtly sexual, or the wrong signals will be sent. It’s okay to do some G-rated flirting, but anything more is a first date no-no.
7. Don’t Keep Your Hands to Yourself
While I am not encouraging anything that even remotely represents aggressive groping, you shouldn’t keep your hands completely to yourself either. Touch your date in small ways to let him or her know that you are interested. A touch to the arm every now and then, or something of this nature, is more than enough. Just make sure to get a little bit of physical contact going in order to stay out of the friend zone.
Joshua Pompey is a contributor to JDATE. See more of Joshua Pompey's articles here.
