Three Common First Date Mistakes

First dates are often a great topic for Hollywood movies but they generally present a very different image of how a first date goes than in reality. Of course, you might say they are, after all, movies. Yet following some of the romantic advice the silver screen presents to us might reduce your chances of a second date significantly. Here are three of the worst offenders that you should make sure to steer clear of.

Pick-Up Artist Shenanigans

You probably heard of Pick-Up Artists even if under other names. They are the kind of guys that teach highly formulaic and wildly inaccurate ‘sure-fire’ ways to get a girl to like you. Amongst some of the most popular are two-edged compliments, ignoring your date while presenting some intense moments of attention and generally the breaking of most common courtesy and dating rules. And what do you know, unless you’re dealing with people with very low self-esteem, all this methods will just make you look like an unbelievable jerk and abruptly end your date. Don’t fall for pick-up artist promises; there are methodologies and guides that are much more practical and down to earth such as this one by our friends at the Art of Charm:  Art of Charm dating tips

Being Extremely Expansive

One of the things most people will suggest when going on a first date is to just be yourself. This is a good strategy buy for the really outgoing people out there and the really expansive ones perhaps toning it down a bit would be a good idea. Talkative, excitable people often seem self-centred or even self-obsessed at first glance even if they are generous, caring people so you shouldn’t scare off a potential girlfriend on the first date by talking too much about yourself. Try to balance the topics of your conversation so that you inquire as much about what she does as you talk about your own life.

Tackling Tricky Topics

Hollywood teaches us that we should all be earnest on our dates and talk about anything that comes to mind. Of course, we all know that we can’t do that. There are some subjects that it’s common sense to stay away from like religion and politics but there are quite a bit more that you shouldn’t tackle on your first date. Children, sexual openness, even family can be a deal breaker for some people on the first date. You should rather try to make a positive impression than inquire about her willingness to have seven children or if she voted Republican. No, you shouldn’t talk about the weather but in real life, unlike Hollywood movies more boring topics do come up.

So remember that life isn’t like Hollywood so don’t be a movie character when going on a date. Just be you.