In my experience, there are lots of things that can go wrong on a first date. Some are under our control, some aren't. Dont' do this on a first date; here are a few examples.

I've prepared three scenarios for analysis. The idea behind this is that if you are considerate enough and pay attention to your date, you can hope for a pleasant outcome. On the contrary, if you are self centered and take your date for granted, failure is almost certain.

Lets's have a look at what not to do on a first date in different scenarios: a coffee shop, a school setting, and a work environment.

Example #1 - Coffee Shop Scenario:

1. Don't be late: 

   Arriving 15 minutes late to the coffee shop without informing your date can create an awkward start to the date and give the impression that you don't value their time.

2. Don't talk excessively about yourself: 

   Dominating the conversation by talking about your achievements, hobbies, and experiences without allowing your date to contribute can make them feel unheard and unimportant.

3. Don't use your phone excessively: 

   Constantly checking your phone for messages or scrolling through social media during the date can convey disinterest and distract from meaningful conversation.

4. Don't rush physical intimacy: 

    Attempting to hold hands or lean in for a kiss without reading your date's body language or cues can make them uncomfortable and ruin the atmosphere of the date.

5.  Don't forget to follow up: 

    Leaving the coffee shop without expressing gratitude or indicating interest in a future date can leave your date wondering about your intentions and feeling uncertain about the connection.

Example #2 - School Setting Scenario:

1.  Don't bring up controversial topics: 

   Initiating a heated debate about politics or social issues during a study session can create tension and distract from the academic purpose of the meeting.

2.  Don't drink too much alcohol: 

   Showing up to a school event intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol can reflect poorly on your professionalism and judgment, especially if it's a formal gathering or academic function.

3.  Don't be overly critical or negative: 

    Complaining about assignments, professors, or classmates during a study date can dampen the mood and make your date associate negative feelings with your time together.

4.  Don't talk about your ex: 

    Bringing up past relationships or romantic encounters in casual conversation at school can make your date feel uncomfortable and disrupt the focus on academic or social activities.

5. Don't forget basic manners: 

    Forgetting to say "please" and "thank you" when borrowing study materials or asking for assistance can come across as rude or entitled, potentially souring the interaction with your date.

Example #3 - Work Environment Scenario:

1. Don't use your phone excessively: 

    Checking work emails or taking personal calls during a lunch meeting with a colleague can be perceived as disrespectful and unprofessional, detracting from the purpose of the interaction.

2. Don't be overly critical or negative: 

   Venting about office politics or complaining about workload issues during a work-related lunch date can create a negative atmosphere and undermine the potential for productive collaboration.

3. Don't rush physical intimacy: 

   Making suggestive comments or engaging in flirtatious behavior with a coworker during a professional meeting can cross boundaries and lead to uncomfortable situations in the workplace.

4. Don't forget to follow up: 

   Failing to send a follow-up email or schedule a follow-up meeting after a productive work discussion can leave your colleague feeling undervalued and uncertain about the next steps in the project or collaboration. Forget about the three day rule for calling after a date, it's a myth.

   In so many words, be considerate, pay attention and use common sense. Other than that, read my blog :). 

    

   Happy dating! 

Image by Freepik