Taking chances is necessary in any relationship. If you want to find a serious relationship, you have to take the risk of meeting people and yes, going on first dates. Doesn’t that sound a little antiquated for you? People go to first dates now knowing a little bit about each other. They have met at least on Facebook and when it comes to social media, you’ll have a good grasp of what to expect. Sure, Facebook doesn’t 100% reflect who a person is but at the very least, you’ll get a sense of their jobs, their lifestyles, and even their political leanings.
Then, there are also dating services available in your area. These services match people up based on the possibility that they will click. You will be asked to fill up a survey form that takes into account your likes, dislikes, and many other things. Then, you will be matched with a person who has the same interest as you. This operates on the belief that people are more compatible when they have similar tastes.
Of course, you wouldn’t know that until you go on that first date. But once you’re finished with it, how will you evaluate that first meeting? Are there red signs flags there? So many people miss the red flags because they are so charmed by the other person or because they want to believe so much that they found the right person for them.
Red flags are the perfect opportunity to evaluate whether you should pursue someone or stay clear of this person. Some people take longer to come out of their shells, but red flags are different from being shy. Red flags are apparent signs that you should not want to be with this person.
Late and Did Not Inform You
Your first date turned out well except for that first hour of waiting. Yes, you waited for one hour without hearing from your date. When your date arrived, you received a quick apology and a flimsy excuse. You were okay with it because the rest of the date was fine. Although this is not a reason to cancel future dates, you should be aware that it happened. If it happens again on the second and third dates, you may want to reconsider being with someone who doesn’t respect your time.
Showed Signs of Being Controlling
Did your date talk about himself for the rest of the evening? That could be a sign of self-absorption. Okay, you can let that pass. It might just be nerves. But if someone ordered for you without asking you or steered you to a coffee place without asking if you even drink coffee, then think twice before getting into a relationship with them.
Always on the Phone
There is nothing worse than being on a date with someone who’s always checking the phone or answering texts and calls. Sure, your date may just be waiting for a very important call, but you need to know about this. Otherwise, your date is going to let you jump to your own conclusions. That’s not a great way to start a relationship.
Rude to Other People
Sure, they were super nice to you. That’s normal. People are always their best selves during a first date. They want to make a great first impression. However, if they are rude to the waiters and other people, that’s not a good sign. It’s indicative of a behavior that can turn on you in the future. This isn’t something that you let pass. This is something that you avoid.
Love Bombing
There is no way someone has fallen in love after a first date. Okay, maybe there are instances like this, but this person won’t tell the other person about it. Everyone knows that it’s creepy to be overly romantic during a first date. Many people use this tactic, however, to manipulate their dates into thinking they have found the one. Don’t fall into the trap.
Talked Incessantly About an Ex
It’s okay to talk about previous relationships during the first date. That shows maturity. Some even laugh off why their previous relationships ended. But to talk nonstop about an ex shows that this person is still not over that relationship. It also shows insensitivity on that person’s part. Who wants to hear about another person when both of you are trying to get to know each other? Another red flag is if the person talked terribly about an ex. Why would anyone do that if they aren’t bitter or terrible people themselves?
First dates are the hardest to evaluate. Behavior and attitudes don’t always manifest themselves during a first date. But when these red flags appear, save yourself the trouble of a heartbreak.
