21 Things to Do and Not Do on a First Date

21 Things to Do and Not Do on a First Date

When planning for a first date a lot of questions come to mind, like ‘What should I do?’ ‘What should I not do?’ ‘What should I wear?’ ‘How will I start or end the date?’ ‘How do I flirt?’ ‘Should I hug him?’ ‘Should I hug her?’.

Don’t panic! It’s normal for people to feel nervous on a first date. Most women even get to ask:  ‘What clothing do guys find most attractive?’ or ‘What is the best color to wear on a first date?’.

This is because first dates are important and you want to leave a good impression like you would during an interview for a job you want so much. It determines if the relationship would end there or continue.

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are 21 things to do and not do on a first date.

Related Article: Funny Facebook Birthday Messages for your Husband (2021).

21 Things to Do and Not Do on a First Date

1. Carefully pick an outfit

When picking an outfit comfort should be the first thing on your mind then you can consider the weather, activities, time of the day, and location of the date.

2. Smell good

Smelling bad can give a bad impression that you can’t properly take care of yourself or you don’t care about things that matter.

3. Wear comfortable shoes

If the shoe is not comfortable don’t wear it. You don’t want to ruin the first date because of aching feet.

4.  Be Early

Nobody likes to be kept waiting so be punctual. Being late is a sign that you don’t care about the person’s feelings nor take him or her seriously.

5. Be Yourself

Don’t try to be someone else or try to go out of your way to impress on the first date. The best version you can be is yourself.

6. Smile

Apart from the fact that you look more beautiful and confident when you smile, smiling shows that you are interested in the person or the conversation. Your smile is a useful tool that can be used. Don’t be a grumpy fellow and keep a straight face throughout.

7. Be positive

Don’t go for a date without enthusiastic and positive vibes. If you do you will end up not enjoying every moment of it.

8. Make Eye contact

The best way to show that you are in the moment and focused on your date is to make eye contact. This shows that you don’t want to be anywhere else.

9. Listen

I didn’t say hear, I said listen. When you pay attention and listen to whatever your date has to say, be it good or bad, you will be able to contribute accordingly.

10. Don’t talk about yourself all through

If the date goes well, you have plenty of time to talk about yourself but for your first date, let the other person speak. You are both there to learn about each other not about you alone.

11. Don’t be rude

No matter how irritated you are, don’t be rude to your date or to anyone else you will meet during your date. No matter what you do, you can never erase the memory of you shouting or insulting another person.

12. Don’t focus on your phone

This is plain rude, annoying, and disrespectful. If you want to focus on your phone then stay at home. Don’t pick or make calls unless you know it’s really important.

13. Don’t show that you are bored

No matter how uninteresting the conversation is don’t ever show that you are bored. Don’t yawn, look elsewhere, stretch, or do anything that would show your boredom.

14. Don’t get drunk

Getting drunk is a bad sign on a first date. It doesn’t matter the height of fun you are having, control your drink intake.

15. Don’t leave before the date is over

Except you don’t feel safe, never leave a date before it is over unless there is an emergency.

16. Don’t be judgemental and give unwanted advice

Nothing scares a person off quicker than the feeling of being judged. Don’t also give unwanted advice, it can be very annoying.

17. Don’t order more food

You are on the date for the person, not the food. The more food you order the more you would focus on the food, not the other person. 

18. Don’t talk with your mouth full

It is better that you don’t fill your mouth with food so you can swallow on time and reply during conversations. Talking with your mouth full is disgusting!

19. Don’t read a book

Don’t forget that the date aims to get to know each other better and conversations are the way to do that. Bringing a book will only show your lack of interest in the person.

20. Don’t be a stalker

Except the details are obvious, don’t let him or her know that you’ve been stalking. This is very weird. Allow this person to be open and tell you everything. Saying you know this and that will only result in withheld information because of the assumption that you already know everything.

21. Don’t talk about your ex

This is a no-no. It is a sign that you haven’t moved on and is a big turn-off. Don’t bring up your ex and if it comes up, speak briefly and move away from the topic as quickly as you can.

What clothing do guys find most attractive?

Considering what guys find most attractive can help you make a better decision when picking out an outfit for a first date. Research has shown that the guys find a little black body con dress and heels a lacey tank top with jeans, an off-shoulder top with jeans, a cami dress with boots, a satin midi dress, and an oversized sweater ( on a cold rainy day) attractive.

What is the best color to wear on a first date?

Colour is a very important factor to consider when picking out a dress for a first date. You can consider wearing a color that makes you feel confident. But according to a survey, whether you are a man or a woman, black and red are the best colors to wear on a first date. The reason is that these colors are symbolic and create an effect on others.

Should you hug on the first date?

Hugs are friendly gestures but not everyone is comfortable with them. It’s not wrong to hug on a first date but don’t hug too tight. Making sure that the other person is enjoying the date and is on the same page as you is vital to making this decision. If he or she initiates a hug don’t make it awkward by stretching your hand for a shake. If you want a hug and you are not sure if the other person wants that same, you can ask a question like, ‘Do you like it when people hug you?’ during your conversation to get the person’s opinion.

How do you flirt on a first date?

Flirting is a language used to communicate desires. It doesn’t have to be sexual or done using words with a sexual undertone. Before you flirt, you need to be sure that the other person is feeling you and there is a form of connection between you two. You might even get the other person to reciprocate if you play it right. Don’t come on too strong by touching or using pet names; don’t be annoying. You can flirt by being in the moment and participating in the conversations, by using words that make him or her feel special, and through non-verbal means like your body language, eye contact, smile, and posture.

How do you end a first date?

Ending a first date can be difficult especially when you are having a good time. I know you might not know what to say or do but that’s okay. Just remember that the way you end it will determine if you want another. I have compiled several ways you can end a first date below;

  • Express gratitude for the time spent with kind words even if you feel otherwise
  • Don’t end rudely.
  • Suggest a second date casually.
  • Say no politely If you don’t want a second date
  • Never say you would call or text the person if you won’t.
  • Don’t recount the bad part of the date
  • You can offer to split the bill

FAQ

Who Pays on a Date?

The question of who pays on a date has been debated more often than you can imagine. The best way to determine this is by asking the question: who initiated the idea of going on a date in the first place. The person that initiates it should pay. You can decide to split the bill or the man could feel the need to be a provider and pay for it. In order not to assume, make sure you ask, to avoid being embarrassed.

How Do I Make My First Date Not Awkward?

You should take this seriously because you don’t want to come off as an awkward individual especially if you like the person To make your first date less awkward: Don’t dress shabbily or smell bad. Avoid talking about yourself all through and not letting the other person talk; that’s not a conversation. Don’t be rude to anyone. Never talk about the person’s body, it would only make him or her feel embarrassed. Don’t talk with food in your mouth or eat too much. Avoid talking about sex.

How Long Should a First Date Last?

This should be based on how much fun you are having but you don’t want to give out all the spice on the first date. You have to make the other person want a second date, that’s if you want one. I’d advise you to keep the date within two hours, it’s a way of making him or her curious and wanting more.

What to Talk About on a First Date with a Friend?

Asking about what to talk about on a first date could mean that you want to limit the conversation and that is something you should not do. Just be open, talk about yourself, your career, interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes, goals, or anything that you find interesting.

How Can I Impress on My First Date?

For there to even be a first date then you are doing something right. You don’t need to impress him or her. Trying to do this will only leave you confused and disorganized. Rather be yourself, don’t talk about things you are not comfortable about, be active during conversations, and dress comfortably.

What is a Good First Date?

A good first date is interactive and nobody is pretending to be having a good time. It is a date that leaves you wanting more time with the other person and you might even see yourself picking a date already for the second date.

How Do You Know if the First Date Went Well?

If before the end of the date you already see the need for a second date and can’t wait to hang out with him or her again then the date went well. This can only happen if you feel comfortable with the other person and you are sure that there is a shared connection between you two

What Colors Do Guys Find Most Attractive?

Guys find red, black, white, green, grey, and purple most attractive.

What Should I Wear on My First Date?

Wear an outfit you are comfortable and confident in. Don’t mind if it’s something from your wardrobe as new dresses can be uncomfortable and you might not have enough time to adjust to them.

Do Guys Like Skinny Girls?

Yes, some guys like skinny girls. They find them attractive and healthy. To some guys, it is because of their body mass and how carryable and huggable they are.

What Do Guys Like in a Girl’s Appearance?

Different guys are attracted differently. Although, most guys like a girl with a neat and orderly appearance. One that shows that she takes her time to care for her hair, dress, and skin.

What Makes a Woman Attractive Physically?

A woman can be found physically attractive because of her hair color, smile, height, body shape, nose shape, lips, eye color and size, legs, etc. Women are found physically attractive for different reasons.

Should You Hold Hands on the First Date?

Yes, you can. As long as you both feel comfortable you can hold his or her hand but make sure that he or she is okay with it.

What Should You Not Eat on a First Date?

Don’t eat spaghetti, processed meat, vegetables, salads, garlic, onions, corn, ribs, and wings. Most importantly, don’t eat so much food or heavy food on a first date.

How Should I Dress for a Casual Date?

Dress practical and neat. Make sure it is in line with the location of the date; don’t wear a tie or heel if you know you are going bowling or for any sport-related activity. Be careful to dress in line with the current trend but don’t overdress. Don’t forget that the time of the date is a determining factor.

What Men Really Want in a Woman?

What a man really wants in a woman vary from man to man. While some men want an organized woman, some would prefer a woman with good looks,  some a woman with cooking skills, and much much more. The best way to know what a man wants is by asking.

What Draws a Man to a Woman?

Several things draw a man to a woman. Whatever it is, it can only be determined by the man and is based on his personality and choices.

What Color of Lipstick Do Guys Like?

According to a study carried out at Manchester University in 2010, guys are more attracted to red lipstick than any other color.

what to Wear on a Casual First Date (Female)?

On a casual first date, I’d advise you wear something you are comfortable and confident in. Try to wear a feminine dress and don’t be scared to show off your charm. To play it safe, it should be something you’ve worn before. For a casual daytime first date, a jumpsuit or a pair of jeans with a top won’t be bad. For a casual dinner date, a dress of any length would fit right in. You can throw in a blazer or a jacket depending on the weather. Just make sure you are neat and not frumpy.

what to Wear on a Casual First Date (Male)?

For whatever location you pick and the time, picking an outfit should be based on your comfort. However, a button-up shirt with chinos would be perfect. For a casual daytime first date, you can consider a pair of jeans, a polo shirt, and a boot, loafers, or sneakers, and for a casual dinner date, a button-up shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes. A sweater or jacket would be right during cold weather. Be careful not to appear sloppy by making sure your clothing and shoes are clean.

What Should You Not Wear on a First Date?

It is very important that you wear what represents you and that you be yourself, but do not wear track pants or gym clothes. Avoid those unflattering jeans and stained shirts.

For women: Avoid dresses that are revealing.  Turn down the volume on your jewelry. Don’t put on too much makeup. Heels can be your signature shoes but for a first date, I’d advise you work with flats or sneakers, anyone that blends right with your outfit. This is to avoid blisters and foot pain. And just in case you both decide on a stroll.

For men: Don’t put on that character tee shirt. Avoid shirts with busy patterns. Do not wear a hoodie, hat, or tie.

What Color Should You Not Wear on a First Date?

According to a survey, orange, brown, and yellow are colors you should not wear on a first date. Orange comes off as loud and funny, brown comes off as boring, dirty, and unkempt, while yellow comes off as too happy or bold.

What Should I Wear on a  2021 First Date?

Before picking what to wear to a 2021 first date, you have to first consider what is trending, the location of the date, the time for the date, and your comfort. You should wear something casual and practical.

What Color Turns a Man on?

A research carried out by two psychologists at the University of Rochester shows that men are usually turned on by a woman in red, regardless of what you are wearing. This might not be the case for every man. Some are not turned on by color but by the outfit or most times by the personality of the other person.

Can I Wear Jeans on a First Date?

Yes, you can. Although this depends on what you are more comfortable with and where you will be meeting and when. If it’s during the daytime, then perfect. Wearing a jean can help you feel confident and comfortable.

Is it Okay to Kiss on a First Date?

In the middle of the date or after when it’s time to say goodnight, I’d rather that you don’t kiss him or her. It’s a way of keeping the other person curious about how it would feel like kissing you and willing to go out on another date. However, people differ and you might be with someone that has the opinion that without a kiss a date isn’t complete. Whether you want a kiss or not should be up to you but remember to ask politely, you never can tell what the other person wants.