First Date Deal-Breaker Myths
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We’ve all been there: an ignorant comment or misinterpreted joke, a too-late realization that there is sauce splattered on your chin, an awkward handshake-hug-kiss-combination during your goodbye – the bottom line is that everyone believes first dates are difficult and social blunders are an inherent part of the experience. This doesn’t mean that you are a terrible person. Or not worth dating. So cut yourself some slack.
Just as importantly, maybe you can cut your date some slack.
As a society, we have all become certified experts at analyzing others’ behaviors and appearances. We read into the smallest Freudian slip and develop strong opinions on the implications of someone’s gait, handwriting style or astrological sign. This judgment is magnified in a first date setting, not only because the person is someone we are interested in spending concentrated time with, but also because we know they are making the same assumptions, assessments and judgments about us!
While there are certain behaviors you should consider to be deal-breakers on the first date (reference my previous article!), there are also several things we have historically considered to indicate a failed date, but perhaps no longer should. Through extensive consultation with a group of dating experts, we managed to put together the list below. Of course, every person and date situation is different, but these are behaviors that you may want to consider more carefully before immediately deciding to toss your date to the curb.
Deal-Breaker Myth #1:
Your date talks about politics or religion.
In past worlds, being too upfront about your opinion was considered a first-meeting faux pas. However, as we accept and embrace the fact that politics and belief-systems are inherently tied into our daily activities, aspirations, and the way we view the world or interact with others, not talking about politics or religion can sometimes mean you are left with very little that is meaningful to say! Discussing "real" topics will help you to understand where your date is coming from. And if you disagree? Not necessarily a deal-breaker, but rather a chance to learn more.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment3 Comments
Thanks for the empowHerment! But Concerning myth #2 - one such first date of mine was so nervous he first ripped the table cloth off a table at a restaurant with all our plates and food on it tumbling to the floor and later managed to DROP me into a pond while taking my picture(( I almost squished a duck to death and was all soaked(( I walked into him several days later by chance at Whole Foods. We walked down the st and he was so nervous again he tripped and fell on a homeless person sleeping nearby(( If tablecloth eas cute, the homeless guy accident was not. I told him not to call me again of course. Should I have given him a third chance? I don't think so! ))
July 24, 2011 - 12:50pmThis Comment
AH! I support you in your decision not to strike out a third time... each situation is different and YOU know what is best for YOU! Even if he is just a clumsy guy - if you are going to spend your time together being completely mortified (or preemptively mortified) of his accidents, it might not be worth it!!
However, maybe if you could get to know each other in a lower-pressure setting (in the company of a group of friends, via email, etc.) then he would be less prone to dangerous mishaps upon future rendezvous... what do you think?
July 24, 2011 - 2:54pmThank you for your reply)) I wouldn't usually think talking by email or on facebook is good idea, especially after a botched first date!!! But guess it could work in this case)) At least that way there's be no risk of him walking me into a passing bus or dropping into a manhole))
July 25, 2011 - 12:07pm