The first date. Palms are sweaty, nerves are on end but there is really nothing to worry about — or is there? How much is at stake?
Six University of Idaho students opened up about what to do and what not to do on the first date.
The consensus was that the first date be bought by the gentleman. All six students agreed that the guy should pay for at least the first night out.
Is the first date going well, or not so much? Everyone has things that are big turn-offs. These are some turn-offs, red flags or not so smooth moves that could ruin that first impression.
One common red flag was talking about their ex. When people talk about the ex at a date, it gives off the vibe that maybe she or he is not quite over their past relationships.
DO NOT
“Watch the cursing and complaining and gossiping. You want to impress your date, not annoy them. And always put your napkin in your lap.” — Brittany Bakken
“When a girl says ‘I love you’ as you’re leaving.”– Tyler Chmieleski
“Don’t talk about yourself too much. You could come across as bragging, which in turn makes you seem arrogant and self-absorbed.”– Martina Everson
“We were all taught some form of manners as a kid. Don’t let them go out the window.”– Ian Barrett
“If she talks bad or mean about other people. Mean girls don’t fly! And there are a lot of girls like that. You sit down and they just start talking about how their friend is a bitch and they hate so and so and blah blah blah. If they talk about dumb stuff all the time it won’t work.”– Paul Martin
DO
“A movie actually isn’t a good first date. Sitting in silence in a dark room for two hours with a stranger sounds great, right? Wrong. Something a bit more social to break the ice is often better, like getting coffee or food or going on an adventure.”– Paul Martin
“The first date is like a job interview. It’s a trial to see if you’re worth their time and good enough to date. Dress to impress. If someone shows up in sweats it says that the date isn’t important enough for them to put effort into themselves. This reflects onto them as a person.”– Brittany Bakken
“Try to always stay comfortable. If you aren’t, you will say things you don’t mean that could possibly deteriorate your future relationship. Don’t try to be all cool and careless, show her you really care about life and our future. This means don’t go on a date and sort of role-play as an overly masculine and strong guy. Girls like guys that have charisma, but have feelings, so don’t be overbearing.”– Bryce Dinger
“Just be yourself. Don’t try to be ‘Mr. Bond, James Bond.’ If you really want to make an impression, don’t be fake. That’s the worst thing you can possibly do. Don’t lie about something, because if you do, after the date, the other person might facebook you and find out things you didn’t want them to know.”– Ian Barrett
Claire Whitley can be reached at [email protected]