The 7 Worst Things You Could Do on a First Date

Scoring a first date is simple, but getting a second date requires a lot of hard work.

To make the process easier on both you and your date, here are some top tips on making a good impression and avoiding those common first date mistakes.

Your date is probably too polite to point it out, but by eating messy foods, you’re really putting them off. Parsley, sticky sauces and spaghetti can create a mess worse than that of your uncle after a drink.

As a general rule, you should avoid these types of foods where possible and opt for a knife and fork instead of fingers and thumbs. Safer foods include tapas, Thai or your typical “pub grub.”

There’s nothing wrong with a little curiosity on a first date.

It’s good to get to know them and show some interest in their background, but questions like “Where do you work?” “How often do you visit your parents?” and “Who was your last partner?” are all off limits.

Keep the conversation light and flirty. If your date wants to talk about something of meaning to them, then let them. However, don’t dwell on negative topics, as it may scare your date away.

“If you find yourself in a sticky

situation, simply play it cool.”

So your budget is tight this month. You have bills to pay, your car is broken, your TV is on the blink…and your date doesn’t care.

While you don’t have to foot the entire bill, coming across as a cheapskate who is continuously counting coins can seriously jeopardize your chances of a second date.

If you can’t afford to pay for the first date, offer to split the bill. Your date won’t be offended.

The instant you begin to insult or bad mouth somebody you know, the quicker your date is going to question your sincerity.

Try to stay positive. Talk about your interests and hobbies and ask your date about theirs.

Even if the negativity doesn’t send your date running, it may be the person or place you insult happens to mean a lot to your date. Play it safe. Be polite.

Insults aside, there is nothing ruder than when you’re trying to tell somebody all about your job or recent events that are of interest to you while your audience nods along and texts away.

If you have an urgent phone call or a message that has to be answered, excuse yourself and deal with the issue, but don’t habitually check your phone. It’s rude.

Smelling good for a date is a wise move, but how much is too much? Don’t bathe yourself in cologne, as your date could find your chosen fragrance to be foul.

Smelling bad on a first date can be worse than turning up late. Be cautious and tone it down where necessary.

It’s your first date and while you may be keen to hook up after a romantic evening, the first rule of dating is you return home alone.

Restrain yourself from indulging in base instincts… at least until the second date, as becoming intimate too soon can damage a forming real relationship.

By following these simple dating tips, you should be able to avoid getting yourself into a first date fiasco without having to stifle your personality or your date.

If you do find yourself in a sticky situation, simply play it cool and apologize where necessary.