There are, of course, obvious bad dating acts such as leaving your date behind at the restaurant. But this list focuses on some more, ahem, subtle bad habits you or your date might suffer from.

 

1. You talk about your job–a lot. There is nothing wrong with discussing what you do on a date. For example, with a little detective work, you will find that even the most common sounding of jobs (say, teacher or nurse) can be truly interesting in the day to day happenings. Still, a date is about you, and contrary to what business school taught–you are more than your job. A good indicator you are talking too much about it? Your date has stopped asking questions.
2. You don’t offer to pay. True, this is the twenty-first century and all, and we’d love to all believe we’re above the old belief that men should always pay, but we’re not. Still, neither are we oblivious to the strides the women’s movement has made. Because of that, it is customary for both parties to offer to pay. If you’re the man, make it your place to pay, but the woman should also make the offer to pay her half. Of course, the man should turn down her offer, but it’s the act that matters. This really only applies on first dates, after that you can work out whatever arrangement you wish.
3. You change the arrangement of the date, post haste. There’s nothing more frustrating than one party changing the date arrangement once the date ha started. Sure, things could go really well and you want to extend it, or things could be bombing and you simply want to end it, but make sure the other party is on board. Having someone show up for a nice dinner and then deciding you’d rather go to the local rodeo will produce little romance, but plenty of frustration. Make a plan, and revise as both parties consent.
4. You don’t allow for any input into the date plans. Some people love the other person to make all the plans, but more likely they’d like to have a say, as well. For example, when picking a restaurant it might behoove you to inquire if your date even likes Chinese food, instead of just driving up to the door, by which time it’s likely too late for them to feel comfortable saying something. Along the same lines, if going to a move definitely give your date some input. Remember, action movies and chick flicks are not necessarily your date’s cup of tea.
5. A little booze is not enough to make you a bozo. A lot is. If you plan to drink on the date, keep it to a minimum. Sure, a little alcohol might loosen you up, but a lot will leave you ragged. The truth is that no one likes a drunk except another drunk. If you want to impress this person, keep the drinking to a minimum, and save the binging for the tailgate party on Sunday. For women on dates this can also be a matter of safety. The last thing you want is to be out of control with a relative stranger.

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First dates are frequently awkward, and wooing a new girl is much more difficult than romancing your wife. If you romance your date the right way, may forge a relationship where you’ll never have to be a cheating husband or worry about trying to catch a cheating wife.

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