By: Natasha Archary
With the month of love officially here, many will be planning a romantic night out on Valentine’s Day. Before you pat cupid on the back, it’s important to check out these 10 signs the date sucks.
Dating can be pretty daunting, even the most seasoned dater amongst us, reaches a point where it’s nothing but a monotonous cycle of bad coffee, greasy fries and pointless drivel from the person opposite you. There’s no reason to stay if you notice the following red flags during your first or fiftieth date:
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No eye contact
So you’re dating someone who stares at their shoes, fingers or cellphone the entire night? Stand up and politely excuse yourself for a quick trip to the bathroom. Next, slip out the door and don’t return. In fact, go right ahead and ghost him/her.
Granted shyness is a thing some people actually struggle with but when you’re on a date with someone, eye contact is important. It shows sincerity, interest in the person you’re with and that you’re a social being.
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Zero interest in what you’re saying
If your date shows no interest in getting to know you, your date is a bust. Posing questions and listening intently to your answer is a sign your date is going well. If it’s easy to converse with the person, you’re on the right track. On the other hand, if it feels like a trip to the dentist and the novacane hasn’t kicked in yet, call it a night. Awkward silences are not a turn-on.
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Vague or unresponsive
On the flip side, if potential bae can’t string a sentence together, is a one-word answer kind of person or gives you vague response to the questions you ask, take it as a sign. They don’t feel compelled enough to be real with you. If it feels more like an interrogation than a conversation with rapid-fire rounds instead of an easy flow, leave.
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The bill
Ladies, we’re all for chivalry, but it’s 2022. As much as we love a guy who doesn’t mind splurging and is quick to reach for the bill, offer to pay for the bill, it’s the right thing to do. If you don’t, he could see it as a sign that you have certain financial expectations of a man in a relationship.
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Small talk
Cue boring banter about the weather, how much you hate your job and how you can’t stand your ex. Reserve these topics for vent sessions with your buddies over drinks. It’s not date-friendly convos.
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Do they ever stop
As much as strong engagement is a positive, talking excessively is a major no-no. It lets your date know that you are self-obsessed or worse, nervous. Endless ranting is not attractive and if this is most of the date, chances are there won’t be a second.
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You’re not seeing eye to eye
From the silly to the more serious, you’re already butting heads and it’s not looking pretty. Touchy subjects like religion, politics, Marvel vs DC should all be avoided on the first date.
If you are passionate about something and fear it will be brought under scrutiny, rather save this for the next date.
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Eager beaver
Your date has made it fairly obvious that they’d love for the night to end at their place. Being forward and talking about sex before dessert hits the table gives you an indication of their intention.
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No chemistry
We’re talking zero sparks, not even a flicker. You’re already thinking about the cheque. It’s okay, not every date will end well. You win some, you laugh off some.
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Calling it a night
Granted Valentine’s Day falls on a work night this year, but if the date concludes before ten pm, it was likely a dud.
There isn’t a tried and tested formula for dating, imagine how much simpler things would be if there was.
Also read: The App to manage relationships
