6 Things You Should Never Do On a First Date

There may be no experience in life more nerve-wracking than a first date. What should you say, or do, or even wear? There are so many possibilities and outcomes of the first encounter with someone you like; and it is almost impossible to predict how the chemistry will translate from texts or phone calls to in-person interaction. If you are about to go on a first date, it can be helpful to prepare by knowing what some of the biggest first date pitfalls are — and how to avoid them. To truly see what can go wrong when trying to make a good first impression, check out these 6 things you should never do on a first date.

Don’t show up late.

What time you arrive at your date is the first impression you will make, and is definitely a lasting one. If you show up late, you are almost guaranteed to start your date off with an irritated person looking back at you from across the table. Try easing into small talk with that weighing on your shoulders. You will avoid unnecessary tension and anxiety by showing up early to your date.

Don’t talk about your ex.

Nothing is more off-putting to a potential new romantic partner than hearing you talk about your ex obsessively all night. It can signal to your date that you are not over your ex if you can’t resist talking about them, even when you are sitting right in front of someone new. This can ultimately read that you are emotionally unavailable, and thus unavailable to move forward with a second date.