How to score a second date

You may have finally scored a first date with that hottie from the bar, but it only takes one fatal mistake to permanently turn off a prospective partner. Don’t sweat it - steer clear of these no-no’s and you’ll be one step closer to a second date.

The first fatal flaw is to start talking about your ex’s. Never, never, ever do this! I don’t care if you hooked up with Brad Pitt or Megan Fox, your date doesn’t need to hear all the sordid details or drama about your past relationships. In fact, unless they ask, don’t mention anything about your dating history. Even if they do ask, especially if you’re divorced or recently separated, keep the data short and sweet.

Number two. Don’t come to the first date expecting to get married and start procreating. There is nothing more frightening than being asked by a relative stranger if you’re planning on having children, or what color wedding dress you’d like to wear. Enough said.

Avoid clingy or overly intimate gestures. If you push your date’s physical boundaries by touching them too much, you may scare them off even if they like you. Save extended make-out sessions and full body massage for the second date.  Look for body language clues. Start out by occasionally touching your date on the arm or hand while talking. If they pull away or avoid your touch, don’t go any further. By all means, don’t rush the sex - it can only serve to complicate things that early in the relationship. Even if your date goes along with it, they may regret the decision the next day and avoid a second date.

Finally, keep the conversation going and don’t get into arguments with your date. If you think you and your date have radically different ideas that may prevent you from actually having a relationship, simply be polite and finish the date. There’s no excuse for running out in the middle just because you found out something about them that was a deal breaker.

First dates are supposed to be about getting to know each other, but this doesn’t include spilling every detail of your past or excessive groping. If your date feels comfortable with you and wants to know more, you’ll for sure get that second date.