Five Things Not to Say on a First Date

5. I thought you'd be taller/skinnier/younger
Nothing sets the mood for an awful date like criticizing the other person's appearance. It does not matter if you are with a man or a woman, they are still sensitive about how they look. Everyone wants to find that attractive person who looks beyond the surface. This is a paradox, yes, but it is the truth nonetheless. And it doesn't matter how good looking you are, if you let yourself be known as shallow in the beginning there will likely not be a second date. Unless the other person is just as shallow, and do you really want that?

Also, you should not ask "is that your real hair color" or "are those boobs real." These questions are not only shallow, but rude as well. Have some class and save something to talk about on the next date.

4. Let me show you the specials on the menu
Are you the waiter now? If you initiated the date then you are paying for the meal and it would be rude to make your date order what you want them to order. Of course, in a perfect world your date would offer to go dutch, but that doesn't always happen. If you couldn't pay for the date you should have suggested something cheap or free, like going for a walk (which is a great way to get to know someone, by the way.)

The same thing goes for the movie snack bar. Unless the thing that brought the two of you together was rebelliousness, buy your date whatever they want from the snack bar and worry about sneaking food in when you are a couple.

3. I don't usually get many dates
I'm all for being honest about being a little nervous; it is a good way to break the ice with most people. But when you confess that the reason you seem a little socially inept is because, well, you are socially inept, this does not make the other person want to be seen with you. Have some confidence, although leave the arrogance for when you are playing your online video games. Generally a first date is not the place to make negative sounding confessions. And that leads me to my next point.

2. My ex ruined my life
You don't even want to volunteer the fact that you have any exes because it screams that you are still thinking about them while you are out with your new date. Plus, nobody wants to be with someone who allows themselves to be treated badly, because when you let people walk on you it doesn't say anything good about you. Finally and most importantly when you talk trash about someone in your past it makes your date think you will soon be talking badly about him or her as well.

1. I get attached very easily
Why would someone want to go out with you again if you sound like you're looking for anyone and it doesn't matter who? They are going to be looking for the exit while hoping you are not the dangerous type of stalker. Also along these lines are the dreaded "when you meet my family" and any premature statements about what "we" are going to be doing in the future. There is no "we" or "us" yet on a first date; you either sound needy or, if the other person is needy, you give them too much hope and a license to act all crazy if there is no second date.

And don't say that you feel a "real connection" with your date. Unless you are longtime friends out on a first excursion into romantic possibilities, there is no connection yet beyond two people looking to have fun and see if you might want to hang out again.