What not to do on a first date

10 things ~not~ to do on a first date

Ahh, who doesn’t love the excitement and complete fear of first dates? Those butterflies that you tend to feel fluttering around in your stomach before the actual date sometimes find themselves morphing into something that you would probably see in a horror movie – cute, right?

There are so many ideas of how a first date should go; perfect conversation, perfect location, perfect this, and perfect that. Oh, and Wi-Fi – clearly a necessity. However, first dates typically don’t go as planned. This probably has to do with the fact that we’re all human and no matter how many times you rehearse what you’re going to say in front of your mirror, you’ll still end up saying something at least a ~little~ awkward.

However, don’t fret! I’m going to do my best to give you my best tips on what not to do on a first date. Am I an expert on first dates? LOL. No, however, I’ve been on enough bad ones to note what is first date appropriate and what, well, isn’t. Also, I asked around to get the 4-1-1 on what people look out for on first dates. So, with that being said, here’s a list of what not to do on a first date.

 

  1. Text other people/be glued to your phone

We get it, there are important things going on in the world of social media. However, you’re on a date – so the most important thing you should be giving your attention to is your date. Twitter can wait.

  1. Flirt with the server/other people

This is pretty self-explanatory. You didn’t go out with them to watch them flirt with other people, so the same goes for you.

  1. Talk about your ex.

To quote Michael Scott, “NOO GOD! NO. GOD. PLEASE. NO. NO!!! NO!!! NOOOOOO!!!”

  1. Dress for Netflix-ing

Look, I get it, I really do. You want to be comfortable. But those old sweats and t-shirt with the questionable stain are not acceptable. I’m not saying you need to dress for a pageant, but no one wants to see your natural state after a Netflix binge – they’re not ready yet, okay? In due time, my friend.

  1. Go to a movie.

Movies are great for dates, don’t get me wrong. However, first dates are for you guys to get to know each other and movies don’t allow for much talking, which kind of defeats the whole purpose.

  1. Netflix and Chill

Netflix is your bae and always will be. I understand. But I’m sorry, Netflix and chill is not a first date and honestly, it shouldn’t be. Put in some effort for a first date, okay? You can do it.

  1. Don’t talk about yourself the whole time.

It’s totally fine to talk about yourself; your date obviously wants to know more about you. However, make sure you let them talk too.

  1. Make crude jokes.

You’re not with your bros. There are some things that are better left unsaid. I know it can be hard to pass up a “that’s what she said” joke, but a first date is just not the time nor place – you do that, you’ll be putting a dollar in the douchebag jar, Schmidt style.

  1. Don’t dress like you’re going to the club

Unless you’re actually going to the club and if that’s the case, you need to reevaluate the whole situation. It’s fine that you want to look extra good that night, but know your limits. #modestishottest

  1. Don’t be clingy

It’s your first date, so you might want to hold off on making that wedding Pinterest board just yet (resist the urge, you can do it). If you guys are having a great time, that’s awesome. But keep your cool; coming on too strong can be quite the turn off.

 

There are obviously exceptions to every rule, but use these as some guidelines. It’s your date; you know what’s acceptable and what’s not. Even though you’ll probably be beyond nervous, just try and calm down. If you’re going on a first date, you’ve already won them over that much. Don’t let your nerves be your downfall. You’ve got this.