When looking for that special someone, it is likely that you’ll go on a couple of dates before someone charms you. Dates are not just about merry-making or going to a new hang-out, rather, getting to know someone better. 

You want to take things slow as you scrutinise the person’s behaviour. Although some people are good at hiding their true selves, at one point or the next, it eventually just pops out, unexpectedly. 

Anyway, being someone who pays attention to detail, there are some things I simply can’t stand on a date. Here are some:

Bad odour. Who goes on a date smelling bad, honestly? There is something about someone who smells nice that keeps you interested. Anyone with bad odour on a date is clearly signalling that this is typical of them. I instantly question their hygiene. 

I also get bored by self-absorbed talkers. Have you met someone who talks non-stop, mostly about themselves, without giving you a chance to talk or even respond? One-sided conversations are a turn off. In most cases, such people are selfish. They think the world revolves around them. The moment I notice this, I am out. 

Then there are people who must check their phone every other minute. Is it really too much to ask to dedicate the one hour or so to the person you are on a date with? An urgent phone call is one thing, but some people answer calls that really could have waited, even when in the middle of a conversation. 

The rude one is another turn off. Take for example when the waiter takes a bit of time to bring the order, or serves food that you didn’t order for, and your date starts shouting and hurling insults! Such occurrences show how they will treat you when you have a misunderstanding with them. A red flag that should not be taken lightly. 

Then there is the examiner; the one who asks question after question in a manner that is uncomfortable, like you are in an exam. How about you introduce yourself and let the conversation flow? Asking questions isn’t bad, but how you do it matters. How old are you? What do you do? How much do you earn? Where do you stay? Who are you parents? What do they do? Are they married? What about your siblings? All this on the first or second date? No! 

This might sound petty, but I also can’t stand anyone who chews food or sips beverages noisily. It’s strange and unnecessary. 

Lastly, questions about previous relationships should be kept for another day, it’s not a must that if we are on a date, we have to share this information. Of what use is it anyway? If we are trying to know each other more, why ask about my last relationship?