What Not To Do On A First Date
First dates are exciting and stressful all at the same time. What to wear, what to do, and what to say. My biggest piece of advice is to just be completely and totally yourself, but if you are in need of some more help, here’s some suggestions of what NOT to do on a first date:
1. Don’t not have a plan ahead of time of what to do.
If your guy doesn’t make a plan of what to do, take charge girl! Don’t meet up with him without an idea of what to do. Also, it doesn’t even have to be the traditional dinner and a movie. Get creative.
2. Don’t overdress.
Being yourself on a first date is key, this includes the way you dress! Obviously you’re going to want to put more effort into your look than the leggings and over sized tee you yank on for class. However, the guy asked you out because he likes YOU so don’t try to be someone else.
3. Don’t only talk about yourself (ranting included).
It’s okay to bring up things about yourself. You are on a date to get to know each other, but people who turn every topic back to themselves are annoying. Plus, while we are on the topic, don’t talk about your ex or complain about past relationships. Listen to him, learn his interests and what he is passionate about. If you find yourself completely uninterested, then maybe this isn’t a match. It’s okay honey, you’re only in college.
4. Don’t ask too many questions.
Too many questions, especially personal ones are sometimes overwhelming on a first date. You wouldn’t want someone grilling you about your life, so maybe just ask a few and let the conversation flow.
5. Don’t let him know that you have been googling him up to this point.
Unlike high school where you may have a class of approximately 25 people together, you are in a sea of people now and you have no idea what this guy is like so by all means, google away. However, asking him if his grandma enjoyed her birthday because you saw it on Facebook would most likely come across as creepy rather than caring.
6. Don’t order a little meal because you think it’s more lady like.
A small side salad will not hold you over, trust me on this. Get a big-girl meal and don’t be afraid of how you look while eating it. (Pro-tip: If you would like to stay attractive while eating, don’t get pasta. There is no lady-like way to eat pasta).
7. Don’t have super high expectations.
It depends on the guy, but unfortunately, first dates can be some of the worst ones.Try not to be too discouraged if the date went badly because at least now you know.
8. Don’t go to a second location when you really just want to go home.
If dinner went terribly, don’t go see a movie too. Obviously, call up your bestie and tell her all about it.
9. Don’t get on your phone every 5 seconds.
By staying on your phone or even laying your phone on the table you are sending signals that your attention isn’t fully on them. No one want’s to feel this way on a date. Don’t do it.
10. Don’t text or call constantly after if he isn’t texting you.
We’ve all experienced this. We get back from a date and it went so well and the guy is so great that we want to set up the next date already. Unfortunately, sometimes dates just don’t workout. If the guy can’t see how great you are then cut your losses and move on. Don’t keep hanging on by texting him when he isn’t interested.
Do you have any advice for what not to do on a first date? Comment below!
Featured photo source: hercampus.com
Hannah Bingham is a first-year student at Penn State University and staff writer for Society19 at Penn State. Hannah is majoring in print journalism and is expected to graduate May of 2021. If you see her on campus she will most likely be holding Starbucks and planning her next outfit to post on her fashion Instagram which you can follow@pinkrosesbrowncurls or her personal @hannahh.bingham.