With over 25 years helping singles, divorcees and widows with dating while they use my dating consulting services, I’ve identified several traits that your date will definitely find unattractive. Are you aware of these potential characteristics you may have? For most people, no. Maybe this will help and give you a good, long think.
Yes, no one is perfect nor should you strive to be. You be you. But maybe you can do away with a couple items that are a turn-off to others. We are always looking for self-improvement, and if you are wondering why first dates are not turning into second dates, this may be helpful.
1. You act as if you know everything.
No one likes Mr./Ms. Google. There is no possibility you know everything, and that is where curiosity is a lovely trait. The other day I had a client on a Zoom call who wrote down something I’d never heard of—and I asked her point blank what it was. French food being my favorite cuisine, she totally stumped me on this one. Why pretend to be a know-it-all? Vulnerability and curiosity are assets. Plus, I learned something!
2. Bad posture
Oh wow! I notice this constantly. So does your date. It shows a lack of self-confidence. I know personally this one being taller than all boys and girls in my 8th grade class and slumping to appear shorter. Thank goodness my mom had the foresight to take me to a good chiropractor at a young age and correct my posture. Shoulders back, stand tall, watch that neck as we constantly are scrolling through our phones. Exude confidence with your body language.
3. Interrupting
Ok, we all know someone like this. Could it be you? Instead of active listening and being in the present, are you thinking about what you want to say next? Let the other person finish, take a breath, then say what was on your mind.
4. Talking only about yourself on a first date
As a dating counselor, I wish I had a dollar for every time someone told me this after a date. Well, I have a simple solution. Since they rarely give you a chance to speak, wait until the end of their sentence and say “Wow, I feel like I know so much about you now. What would you like to know about me? Fire away with the questions”. This usually stops them in their tracks and quite often a one-sided conversation suddenly becomes much more of an even dialogue.
5. Eye Contact
A huge part of body language. I’m not talking about a stare down, just looking at the person while they talk. Not fidgeting and looking around the room, not reaching for your phone, not looking down at your food the entire time. Eye contact is connection.
6. Arrogance
I don’t know a single client who reports back to me and says “Wow, was he/she arrogant and it was a turn on. You know what arrogance is? It’s someone who behaves in a proud, unpleasant way toward other people because they believe they are more important than others. Really, it’s an insecurity.
7. Rude
Perhaps a relation to arrogance. Being 15 minutes late. Demanding with the wait staff. Making negative comments about online dating. (Hey, you’re both on it, right?). Dismissive about your career, likes, hobbies, music.
8. That phone
Put it away. Or at the very least, turn off the ringer/vibration and place it face down on the table. If an important call is coming in, tell your date upfront and that’s the only reason you have your phone out. Perhaps it’s making sure your son got picked up from soccer practice. Or you are a doctor waiting for news on a patient that cannot wait an hour. But let them know upfront why your phone is on. It’s just politeness and showing them that their time is valuable.
9. Lack of Empathy
An inability to understand others. Impatience. Excessive criticism. Poor listening skills. Self-centeredness. They joke about someone’s emotions or circumstances. To me, this is a huge red flag and I’d recommend ending this date and never accepting another. This is one for a therapist, not for you. No matter how attractive they may be.
10. Talk Loudly
Maybe no one has ever taught them to use their “inside voice”. I’ve actually seen this when I’ve been out to lunch/dinner when the adjacent tables are parties to the conversation at your table. It’s embarrassing to your date and inappropriate. If your friends have told you that you are a loud talker, I’d think hard about this and practice downing the decibels.
Ok, maybe you’ve read through this list and see yourself in one, two, maybe three of them. Just be aware.
Oh, as a dating coach, let me mention one more thing that drives me crazy and is ineffectual. Stop texting/messaging a potential date 3-5 times in a row before they’ve even answered one. They will think you are crazy of desperate! Be patient, wait for their response, then send a message back no loner that 2-3 sentences and ask them a question.
Last, here’s a stat that may take you aback! An ongoing Stanford study on dating tell us this: From the time you reach out with a message online, to the time of your first date, no more than 5 days should pass or statistically there’s a 75% chance the date will never occur. Pretty enlightening, huh? Why? Online dating moves fast; you need to as well.
Need help with online dating? Well, here I am! I do have a lot of fun with my clients, but more importantly success. Over 60% are in relationships, living together, dating seriously or married/remarried. Use this link to sign up for a 15-minute chat with me to see if I can be of help and we are a good fit: Https://www.33000Dates.com or text me directly at 702-494-7344 and I can find a time that works for both of us. I’m on the East Coast.
Happy dating! Never give up. It only takes one. We all need a little encouragement and someone to show us the way and make online dating more efficient and effective. And fun. Yes, I said fun. Remember, when you started golf, you had help. Pickleball—you took a clinic or two. No pro tennis player did it on her own.
Warmly,
Andrea McGinty
Founder, 33000Dates.com
Founder, It’s Just Lunch (sold)
702-494-7344
Featured on Oprah, CNN, People, Forbes, NYT, Today Show, WSJ and more
Questions:
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Which turn-off would you like to work on?
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How will you do it?
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Have friends ever pointed any of these out to you?
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Andrea McGinty
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