It’s not always easy to discern the telltale indications of a disastrous first date by reading between the lines, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are first date signs there’s no chemistry!
We tend to overthink and overanalyze our first dates, but it’s actually quite simple to spot the telltale symptoms of a terrible date.
It’s never easy to plan a first date. Is it safe to assume your date had a good time as well? It’s also possible that they had a poor experience with you previously and are ready to make amends.
You’d think that on a first date, you’d be able to tell if it was a horrible idea right away. And if it’s bad, you’re more likely to. However, based on my personal experience, there are several telltale symptoms of a disastrous first date that go unnoticed at first.
Bad first dates may often be predicted in advance, so it’s imperative that you learn to recognize the warning signs. You don’t want to squander anyone’s time. Additionally, you don’t want to overlook warning signs that could lead to more significant issues in the future.
You may believe you’re going into a horrible first date with a sour attitude, but you’re only being realistic. The first date isn’t necessarily going to be a success. In the long run, they won’t be all bad. A terrible first date might be easily missed if you don’t pay attention to the less visible signals.
There’s no need to scan your date for red flags, however. All that means is that you’ll be able to recognize those indications when they appear.
Signs of a bad first date you need to look out for:
1. They interrogate you incessantly.
Questions are bound to arise on the first date with a potential love interest. Is there any other way to get to know a new person? That’s fine if you’re just having a discussion, but if you’re like being interviewed for a job, that’s one of the foremost first date signs there’s gonna be no chemistry.
2. Much of the room is dead silent.
A good first date is expected to involve a few awkward pauses. It’s normal to feel anxious at times. In contrast, if there is a lot of silence, something is wrong with the situation. Most people are able to get along and converse for an hour or so even if they don’t think they are a perfect match for each other. On a first date, if neither of you is making an attempt to get to know the other, the date has already failed.
3. They don't ask any questions of you at all.
Red flag number three. On a first date, someone who doesn’t ask you any questions about themselves is either completely uninterested in you or has a great deal of interest in themselves. On a first date, those who don’t initiate conversation frequently spend the entire time humbling themselves.
4. They're talking on their phone.
It’s difficult to live without our smartphones. But your date’s inability to glance away from the screen for an hour indicates that you and your date are not a good match. It’s a poor first date if you constantly go for your phone because you’re bored, not because you’re a doctor on call.
5. Their jokes are not to your taste.
Even if you’re on the perfect date, you might not crack a smile at every joke. Things will not change if your date’s sense of humor does not match yours on the first date. You can forgive her if she is a little more sarcastic than you are, but if your date tells offensive jokes or finds comedy in things you find offensive, that is a warning indication of a disastrous date to follow.
6. There are no etiquette rules in this world.
It’s easy to let good manners go out the window after a while of dating. The two of you burp in front of each other and don’t thank each other when they hold the door open. Both of you should be in top form for your first date. You’ll have a terrible taste in your mouth if your date slams the door shut on you, is disrespectful to the waiter, or wipes their nose on their sleeve. Imagine how bad things may get if someone’s manners aren’t up to snuff on the first date.
7. You're feeling uneasy.
On a first date, we all get a little nervous. That’s not out of the ordinary. Even though nerves might cause discomfort, they’re not the same thing as true discomfort. You can tell if your date is a bad match if they say something you don’t like or give you an uneasy feeling.
8. Constantly harping on one's problems.
It’s understandable that we’ve been thinking about unpleasant things in the wake of recent headlines. First dates are supposed to be fun. Even if it’s fine to complain about your job or traffic, it’s a bad idea to make the date a competition to discover who has the worst life. Never go into a new relationship with a bad attitude.
When it comes to poor first dates, there is no one-size-fits-all list of indicators. A disastrous first date can be salvaged with a little dialogue, even if the majority of them conclude with an embrace and a promise to never meet again.
But these key points will definitely help you spot first date signs there’s no chemistry.