This archive report was first published on 4 August 2019.
First dates can be nerve-wracking, but with the right approach, you can set yourself up for success. According to dating expert Michelle Lewis, author of Flirting 101 and organizer of Jewish dating group Junction, there are certain things to avoid on a first date to prevent it from becoming a disaster.
Published on June 4, 2016, in The Guardian, Lewis listed the top 10 things to avoid on a first date, including not doing the hard sell, not admitting to being a social media stalker, and not bringing up politics or sex.
Here are the top 10 things to avoid on a first date, according to Lewis:
- Don't do the hard sell - start with a conversation, not a sales pitch.
- Don't admit to being a social media stalker - it's a modern-day pre-date certainty, but keep it to yourself.
- It's a date, not a job interview - don't push your motives too heavily onto the other person.
- Girls, let your man pay - it's nice for the girl to offer to pay her share, but it's even nicer for the guy to say 'no, don't worry, you get it next time.'
- Embrace the first date nerves - if you're not nervous, you're either doing it too often or not human.
- Be attentive and recognize the signs - listen to what the other person is saying and don't ask questions about things they've already said.
- Politics isn't sexy - avoid talking about politics on a first date, as it can be a major turn-off.
- And neither is sex - leave the sex talk for after the date, if you're lucky.
- Drink just enough (not too much) - having a quiet drink can ease tension, but don't overdo it.
- Don't give out mixed messages - be clear about how you feel and avoid giving out mixed signals.
