7 Worst First Date Mistakes

What were you up to last Saturday? If you were home alone, watching re-runs of Friends or if you were being slapped outside of a restaurant after a terrible date, then chances is you’re making one of these seven worst first date mistakes. Find out what you’re doing wrong and how you can crack the first-date challenge.

Worst first date mistake 1: You played hard to get

Your friends might tell you that playing hard to get is the key to securing a guy, but the last time they went on a date was when they were 14. Don’t play hard to get. It will turn your date off and even if they did like you, by the time it’s time to pay the bill they’ll have lost that loving feeling.

What to do on your next first date: Don’t act as if you are head-over-heels in love with your date, but do give them signals that you’re interested. Touch their arm gently or look into their eyes for a few seconds and smile. Little hints like this are enough to keep them interested.

Worst first date mistake 2: Wandering eyes

Even if the hottest man you have ever seen or the sexiest woman in the world walks in to the bar where you and your date are having a drink, be strong and do not check them out. Your date will be aware that a gorgeous guy or girl entered the bar too and they will probably watch you to gauge your reaction. If you stare at them, drooling over their toned behind, your date will be hurt, humiliated and might assume you lack loyalty.

What to do on your next first date: If you really are desperate to gawk, just wait five minutes and excuse yourself whilst you go to the bathroom. Then, when you make your way back to your table admire the hot tie in secret.

Worst first date mistake 3: You asked permission

There is nothing more off-putting than having someone ask for your permission to kiss them. It shows you lack confidence, assertiveness and, if you have to ask, the moment clearly isn’t right. Although, on no account, should you be too aggressive, asking to kiss someone is a classic first date mistake.

What to do on your next first date: Try to work out why you ask permission. If you ask permission because you lack confidence read some tips on how to be a better kisser. Also don’t over-think the moment because, despite the hype, the first kiss isn’t the be all and end all.

Worst first date mistake 4: Be silent and mysterious

Although the brooding and silent type of guy and girl seems sexy in movies, in real life you just come across as aloof, arrogant or painfully shy. Instead of being silent, you need to showcase your personality. A study undertaken at Iowa University found that those couples who had similar personalities were more likely to stay together longer.

What to do on your next first date: Scrap the attitude and instead talk about topics that show the person you’re dating who you are and what you are like. Not only will your date be more interested in you, you’ll probably have more fun as well.

Worst first date mistake 5: Talk about how you cheated

One of the worst first date mistakes is to talk about how you cheated on your ex. In a study undertaken by researchers at Cornell University it was found that the trait both men and women rated highest was fidelity. In fact, being faithful was ranked as being more important than attraction, wealth and status.

What to do on your next first date: Avoid talking about your ex and don’t mention that you broke their heart because of your night-time antics with the girl or guy next door. Although you’ll have to tell them the truth at some point, the first date is not the time or the place.

5 Ways To Date Like A Man

We noticed that men seem to have more freedom than women when it comes to dating, so it’s time to mix things up a little. If you’re a single lady on the dating scene, why not add a little testosterone to your technique? Take a leaf out of his little black book with these five ways to date like a man:

1. Act like you own the place

Some men seem to bag a date in one confident sweeping motion and before we even notice, boom – we’re off on a date with this stranger. Just how do they do it? They seem to casually walk into the room, eye their prey, approach them, and Bob’s their uncle. It never happens in quite the same way when we spot a rather attractive man. The male secret to getting a date with the woman or women they like is by acting like they own the place to attract attention, before walking boldly over to their chosen lady for a chat. If you spot someone you like, don’t wait for him to come over to you. Instead, approach the situation like a man and get yourself noticed by entering the room like you’re a woman on a mission. Think posture, smiles, and eye contact and you’ll grab his attention in a shot – now just walk over for a chat. Go you.

2. Play the field

Unless you’ve lied to everyone you’ve been dating about your single status, there’s really no reason to feel guilty if you’ve been on a few dates with other men. It’s not fair for women to feel like they need to settle down with someone they’ve been on one date with; this defeats the object of dating. To date like a man, don’t worry about what others think or say. As the saying goes “you may have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince”, and if this is the case for you, play the field. Men would run a mile if they felt like they had to marry the first woman they went on a date with. In fact, they probably wouldn’t date at all. To date like a man, leave your feelings of guilt at home and just enjoy the company of those who are lucky enough to date you.

3. Hide your emotions

When was the last time you saw a man pouring his heart out to a woman he’s been on a few dates with (aside from the drunken one falling out of the club)? Never? Shocker. If you like a gentleman after a few dates, hide your emotions to keep him guessing – the chances are he’s doing it too. When you’re chatting, be careful with the questions you ask and don’t make it obvious if you’re checking him out as potential marriage material. No matter how much he likes you, he will never show his emotions when you’re still in the dating zone.

4. Don’t think about what you’re wearing

We spend so long worrying about looking classy and sexy and demure and attention-grabbing. Take a moment to gather your thoughts and then gather together the first clothes you see in your wardrobe. Voila – there’s your date outfit sorted. Men don’t worry about having heels that match their dress, or lipstick to match their clutch bag. It’d be a bit strange if they did.

5. Be selfish

Once you’ve mastered the art of dating like a man, there will come a time when you’ll find the man of your dreams who you’d like to settle down with. In this case, don’t feel guilty about ditching the other men you’ve been dating. Tell them the truth and don’t look back. Once you’ve narrowed it down to one special man, don’t be afraid to be selfish; find the perfect balance between seeing him and having your own hobbies. You may have had to kiss a few frogs and resort to a few manly tactics, but you certainly found your prince.