You only get one chance to impress your date. Whoever said that first impressions matter a lot, could not have imagined how true their words would one day be. Because your bad dating habits could ruin it all in a jiffy.
These days, when dates are but a right swipe away and someone doesn’t need to be the friend of a friend to have a chance to take you out, such impressions have become even more important. One blind date or Tinder matchmaking game can decide whether or not things are going to go forward. Both the people involved go into it intrigued and with absolutely no idea what they are going to face. It is just as easy to delight as it is to dismay. Which is why it is important to bring your best form to the game.
One of the first things to take care of is to not unwittingly say or do something obnoxious. A lot of us have some really bad dating habits we are not quite aware of, which seem to keep the relationships from moving forward.
You might not even know that your toxic dating habits might be making you undateable. You might be wondering why your date becomes so unresponsive after meeting you then let us tell you where you are going wrong. So, just in case you have a date coming up and you really want it to work out, here’s a list of bad habits that you should get rid of before you meet your would-be bae and work on some healthy dating habits instead.
7 Toxic Dating Habits You Need Always To Avoid
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There are some common bad dating habits that you might be indulging in repeatedly but you are not even aware how toxic it’s making the dating experience.
You might not be doing it in a pre-mediated way or even consciously but you are not even aware how it’s putting off your date. These habits are actually deciding your dating life and it’s not turning out well. So how should you avoid these bad dating habits and instead indulge in healthy dating habits? Let us tell you.
1. Humble Bragging Is Disastrous
You know you have met one of them when they cannot stop talking about how much money they earn and how successful they are. They just won’t shut up and let you talk. All they try to establish is what a good catch they are.
If you are one of these people, please reconsider spewing all that information and letting the person in front of you speak. I am pretty sure they are interested in you. That is why they agreed to go out with you, after all.
But if they were just interested in how much money you make, they would have just requested your salary account details and asked you to shut up. So talk about the more interesting things in life. Your hobbies, motivation, life, death, God and atoms. And give them space to talk too. And yes, ask your date some interesting questions.
Related Reading: 55+ Flirty First Date Questions | Jaw-Dropping List of 2021
2. “Wait, Let Me Finish!’ – No Way!
Everybody appreciates a good listener. I am pretty sure you do too. So if you just refuse to listen to them and impatiently wait for them to finish so you can start speaking again, it’s really off putting for the person facing you.
Listen well. Encourage them to talk. Make intelligent remarks and don’t interrupt. Soon, they might open up and you will find yourself at the start of a beautiful and healthy relationship.
Not listening carefully and jumping from one topic to another trying to cover everything at one go, is a common bad dating habit that you should avoid at all costs. If your date has to tell you, “Wait! let me finish,” you know why you are not making any headway in the dating scene.
3. Silence Can Be Killing
As important as it is to listen and give them space, it is equally important to interact and communicate. Silence has often been called golden but not in such cases. If they are the only one talking, they might either think you are bored or might find you boring themselves. Awkward silences can prove to be toxic for a date.
You date to know each other better. So, while you get to know them, also let them see you. Communication, after all, is the key to all good relationships.
Draw the right balance between listening, talking and communicating. That would be considered a good dating habit.
4. Don’t Bend Over Backward To Impress Them
If you’re guilty of this, there’s a chance your dates never seem to work out. There is a very fine line between sweetness and being downright creepy. Be polite and ready to please but try not to bend over backwards in the process.
If they wanted someone without a spine, they would have gone for a jellyfish instead of you. So be courteous but confident. Be you. Don’t flatter. Laugh at their jokes but don’t overdo it. Follow certain dating etiquettes and when you are complimenting your date sound casual and spontaneous and not like you are uttering some rehearsed lines you planned beforehand. For instance don’t keep sniffing her perfume and saying, “It’s so heady!” that’s downright UGH!
5. Don’t Try To Prove You Are ‘Macho’
Again, this is someone we have met. They seem so ready to protect and take care of us that we start wondering if they are seeing us or a 5-year-old drooling child. If this is you, stop. Offering to pay the bill is nice but don’t force it if someone wants to go halves. Because nowadays most women like to share the bill. So don’t try to force your way there this is our most valuable first-date tip to you.
Don’t treat your date like a damsel in distress. Be respectful and kind. But don’t act like they need to be babied. That might come later in the relationship, but in the beginning it seems disrespectful.
6. Don’t Be a Creep
Don’t stalk. Don’t get obsessed. Don’t call or message them continuously after the date. Don’t fawn over them either. Just don’t. Obsession is creepy and even if the date goes well, they might not be willing to continue the relationship with you.
Have that much of intelligence to fathom how they feel about you. If you call them do that after a few days and if they don’t show any interest in a second date or tell you they are busy with work, then just back off.
Yes, we know you could have liked them immensely and want to take it farther, but give them the space to decide about you. Jostling them with calls and texts won’t help. They would just think you are a creep and that makes you totally undateable.
Related Reading: How To Impress A Girl On A Date And Make Her Want To Go On More
7. Don’t Act Like Someone You Are Not
Dress well, but don’t overdo it. They came to see you, not India’s top model. Behave like you normally do. Don’t try to oversell yourself. If you act like someone you are not, even if the date goes well, they will realize you were pretending, sooner or later. Avoid that mess and just be yourself.
The dating scene is pretty hard these days. No one has time to offer you more than one chance. If you mess up once, it is done and there is no going back. So instead of dating one person after another and wondering why it never seems to work out, try changing all of these bad dating habits and sooner or later you may just find The One. Till then, good luck. And happy right swiping.
FAQs
1. What are some signs that I might be engaging in toxic dating habits?
Signs include dominating the conversation with self-praise, interrupting your date frequently, creating awkward silences, trying too hard to impress, or being overly pushy. If you notice your date seems uninterested or uncomfortable, it might be worth evaluating your behavior.
2. How can I improve my listening skills on a date?
Practice active listening by making eye contact, nodding, and responding thoughtfully to what your date is saying. Avoid interrupting and give them space to express their thoughts fully before you chime in.
Final Thoughts
First impressions can make or break a date, and understanding common toxic dating habits is crucial for improving your chances of making a positive impact. While everyone has their quirks, being aware of and addressing these habits can significantly enhance your dating experience. Focus on being genuine, respectful, and engaging. Remember, a great date is about balance—between talking and listening, between confidence and courtesy. By avoiding the pitfalls of bad dating habits and adopting healthier approaches, you’re more likely to forge meaningful connections and potentially find that special someone. So, next time you head out on a date, bring your best self and make it count!
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Wow! Never knew about these things. Especially the last point about dressing up, I mean we always try to dress up the best for our dates. But it never even occurred to me that I should probably dress like I always do and just be the best version of myself.
Great stuff this.