Everyone has their “things” that can ruin a date for them. For some people, it’s finding out the person you’re out with is married or has 5 kids or is unemployed and looking for a sugar mama. Some people are repulsed when their cute escort lights up a cigarette after dinner. And all of those things might not bother other people at all. So yes, you definitely have to go around the dating block a few times to fully get an idea of what things you can and can’t deal with in a potential partner.
There are, however, a few personality traits and behaviors that I have learned are universally despised. If you see your date exhibiting any of the characteristics below, it’s time to log back into your internet dating website because this one is a dud:
Prematurely possessive
Truth be told, I’m not a big fan of people I’m dating acting possessive at any point in the relationship. Being protective is fine…sweet, charming, I like it, if it’s not too condescending. But being unnecessarily jealous or presuming to have ownership over your significant other is so not okay. And when this type of behavior rears its ugly head super early in the relationship (let’s say, before you’ve even slept together), that’s certainly grounds for dumping in my book. It’s a bad forecast of things to come.
Hitting on other people when you’re around
It’s no secret that guys and gals alike love to check out tasty members of the gender they desire. I’m not one to hold that against a date. In fact, I’ve dated people where we make a game out of rating cute people when we’re out together. But there’s a line between browsing and sampling. If someone you’ve just started dating is shamelessly hitting on other people when you’re around, throw that one back. If they do that with you there, just imagine what they’re like on their own.
Not tipping
Is it weird that I consider this to be a big deal? Maybe it’s the former waitress in me, but I don’t think I’m overreacting to this. It’s one thing to be a poor tipper (grrr…still a pet peeve of mine), but if you find yourself out on a date with someone who actually fails to leave a tip at all, then I wouldn’t blame you one bit for deleting him out of your cell phone.
The act itself is bad enough, but it’s really what it implies: that the person you’re sharing your calamari with is a self-involved, selfish person with very little regard for those around him or her. Waiters make their living off tips; if your date can’t be bothered to pay someone for doing their job just to save a few bucks, it doesn’t say good things for their priorities or sense of goodwill.
Bad hygiene
Whether it’s his or her person, apartment or car, if the sweetheart you’re out cavorting with is literally a mess, you might want to reconsider making an investment in this person. Yeah, yeah, I know…no one is perfect. And I’m not the neatest gal in the land myself but there’s a line.
If someone can’t even be bothered to shower or pickup the 20 takeout containers in their kitchen before entertaining a potential romantic match, just imagine how deeply this problem must run. Maybe you can handle it, but I personally like a man who can handle his business and doesn’t need me to make him grow up or clean up.
Bmoon1980
29 / Female
Comments: 1
Posted on October 31, 2009, 2:31 pm
Um, ya, I've been through all of those! I'm not perfect but first dates you try your best to make a great first impression...or at least you're supposed to.
