5 dating turn-offs you don’t know you’re doing

No doubt you’ve all been there. You know the scenario: you’ve had what you think was a great date, you got on well, the conversation was flowing and you both seemed attracted to each other, but then you never hear from her again or she suddenly decides to “focus on her career”, despite the fact you could have sworn she never even mentioned her job. Well, gentlemen, perhaps it’s time to learn about these 5 dating turn-offs that you didn’t even know you were doing…

1. ASKING US WHY WE’RE SINGLE

First off, leaning over and softly asking, “so why is a beautiful girl like you single?” might seem like a compliment or unabashed flattery, but it’s actually pretty damn insulting. We don’t know why we’re single, do we? If we did know the reason we’d be trying to rectify it, wouldn’t we? Also, whilst we’re on the subject, what is the right answer to that question? “Oh, I’ve just had a string of horrible failed relationships which lead to a long love affair with Netflix and the only guy I was ‘seeing’ was the Domino’s delivery man… every Friday night.” Best not to ask, incase you didn’t pick that up from the rant.

2. BEING OVERLY PASSIONATE ABOUT ONE SUBJECT

It’s great that you’re passionate about *insert relevant band, football team or pastime here*, but whoa buddy, slow down. Let me stop you right there. We’d far rather have an equal dialogue with you than sit and listen to a monologue about why England are just so sure to win the Euro 2016 this time around, or why Justin Bieber really is just the misunderstood poet of his generation.

3. NOT HAVING A PLAN

Nothing makes us die inside quite as much as hearing, “so, where do you fancy going?” We didn’t spend 2 hours getting ready, choosing outfits and texting our girlfriends for lipstick colour advice to meet you outside a tube station and hear you don’t have a plan! It doesn’t matter if you do end up finding a great little hidden gem and having a wonderful evening from then on out, the point is you didn’t have a plan in the first place, and we were not impressed. If you’re struggling for ideas, we’ve got plenty of affordable first date ideas and the ultimate 5 spring dates she won’t expect.

4. BEING OVERLY GROOMED

If we can smell you before we can see you then you’ve gone overboard on the aftershave. If the gel in your hair makes Simon from The Inbetweeners look au natural then it’s time to re-think your pre-date grooming routine. Ok fine, it’s nice you’ve made an effort, but we want to see the real you, or rather a done-up I’ve-made-a-bit-of-an-effort-for-you version of yourself – not an overly preened, plucked and spritzed version of you.

5. BEING A WINE SNOB

When the wine comes, all we want to know is that it’s drinkable and that it’s going in our glass pronto. We do not want to know that you are “getting top notes of oak, with accents of woody pine…”, because whilst you’re “getting a hint of vanilla”, we’re getting the urge to run for the door and take the handsome waiter with us rather than listen to you and your pretentious wine chat for a moment longer. If you do need to brush up your skills on the wine front though, read our gentleman’s guide to choosing wine in a restaurant.