7 Sure Signs Of A Bad First Date

We overthink and overanalyze so much when it comes to a first date, but it is easier than you might think to see the signs of a bad first date.

First dates are always pretty hard to nail down. You may have had a good time, but did your date? Or maybe you were miserable and they can’t wait to see you again.

You might think that you would immediately know if a first date is bad or not. And when it is horrible, you probably will. But taking my experience into account, there are some signs of a bad first date we overlook at first.

Being able to spot the signs of a bad first date right off the bat is important. You do not want to waste your time or theirs. You also don’t want to miss red flags that could cause serious problems down the line.

By knowing the signs of a bad first date you may think you are going into it with a negative mindset, you are simply being realistic. First dates will not always be good. They will not always be bad. So, it is important to be able to see the less obvious signs of a bad first date.

# They ask you too many questions

Having a first date with someone interested in you will result in questions. How else do you get to know someone new? But, if those questions spill out like they are interviewing you for a job rather than a back and forth conversation, that is not good.

Either they do not want to talk about themselves or they are very picky and want to ask you every single dealbreaker right off the bat. I get that no one wants their time wasted, but you can at least try to have a good time, even if you’re not soulmates.

# There is a lot of silence

It is normal for a good first date to have a couple of awkward silences. You’re nervous, it happens. But if there is more silence than chatting, something is off. Even if you aren’t a perfect match you can usually get along and talk for an hour or so.

When your mind just goes blank on a first date and neither of you is putting in the effort to try to get to know each other, it failed before it began.

# They are on their phone

I know it is hard to part with our phones. If either you or your date can’t look away from a screen for an hour, that is not a good sign. If you feel the need to reach for your phone throughout the night, not because you’re a doctor on call, but because you are bored, it is a bad first date.

And unless they have a child they are worried about, or are expecting a call from the Queen, neither of you should be giving your phones any attention.

# You don’t like their jokes

Even on the best date, you may not laugh out loud at every joke. If your date’s sense of humor does not align with yours on night one, things will not change.

It is one thing for her to be a little more sarcastic than you, but if your date tells offensive jokes or finds humor is something you take very seriously that is a sign of an impending bad date.

# There are no manners

Once you have been dating for a while, manners can go out the window. You burp in front of each other and don’t say thank you when they hold the door. On a first date, you should both be on your best behavior.

If your date lets the door close on you, is rude to the waiter, or wipes their nose on their sleeve, you will surely have a bad taste in your mouth. If someone’s manners aren’t on the up and up on the first date, just imagine how much worse it gets.

# One of you offends the other

Misunderstandings happen when you get to know someone. Someone may interpret something in a way it was not intended or someone misspoke due to nerves, but if your date says something that goes against your beliefs, religion, or race or anyone else’s, it was a bad date.

Even if this person checks all of your boxes, this sort of thing should not be overlooked just because they have other great characteristics.