Maybe these will surprise you. Maybe not. But as a top dating coach, I hear a lot of stories from my male clients. Please pay attention as they make up half of the people I work with on a weekly basis. Before you think I’m singling out the audience of Sixty and Me, keep in mind that these are valid things to consider in your own dating behavior. Also, stay tuned for my next article, which will be about things that drive women crazy about dating – online or in real life.
So, what is a first date meant to be? Only a chance to see if you’d like a second date, not a therapy session. A first date is meant to be light, fun and see if you have a bit of chemistry and topics in common with the person you’re meeting.
About 50% of men and women follow these “rules.” But the other half, oh my!
So, let’s get on with what men never want to hear on the first date:
Why You Have Split Up (Got Divorced) and in Particular, Who Initiated It
Think of it this way. You are meeting someone for the first time, probably over lunch or a coffee. Why would you ask this question? A first date is much like a networking event; would you ask such a question in that setting? Hopefully, no. Why would you care at this point?
Now, the question of divorce/separation can become much more relevant after 4 or 5 dates, but certainly not beforehand. This is a big first date no-no and a 100% guarantee you won’t be seeing a 2nd date with this person.
If there is mutual interest, you will learn more about each other over time, so exercise some patience.
Complaining About… Anything
Remember, a negative attitude drains; a positive attitude energizes.
Complaining, in any form, about anything, will not bring about the positive outcome you’re hoping for. Here are some examples from the past week.
Example 1: Complaints as Excuses
Michael, 64, from NYC, met Lana for a lunch date. She walked in 10 minutes late and complained about her Uber driver and how the rain had ruined her hair. The date went downhill from there – she proceeded to tell him about her arrogant boss and that she was thinking of changing jobs/careers.
What were his thoughts? He shared this: “She will be a nightmare to be in a relationship with,” and he’s one of the most positive guys I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Even Lana’s good looks could not overcome her personality!
Example 2: Complaining of Your Date
Ok, here’s another one for the books! Tim, 68, from Boca Raton, FL, met Annaliese for a drink. She immediately said she was famished, and did he mind dinner too? (Yes, he did as he just wanted to grab a drink and perhaps an appetizer and go to his grandson’s soccer game after.)
He voiced he had another commitment afterwards, and guess what she said? “Well, then, I hope you are at least paying for this date as it took me over an hour to get ready.” Being rude will not gain you any points. And, by the way, I’ve come to realize that men don’t care how long it takes you to get ready.
Physical Ailments
You have upcoming dental surgery, have an upcoming knee replacement or just got over a bad flu? Do not share anything about your physical condition. You don’t want to sound like a hypochondriac, do you?
A Political Rant
I wouldn’t touch this with a 10-foot pole. Isn’t our country divisive enough as it is? Why would you want to start a fresh relationship and encounter a person over this topic? Yes, you may feel strongly about this and this, and it is your right. It just does not show you in the most positive light.
Please note, I didn’t say a gentle conversation about the country’s state of affairs – I said a political rant! You’d just come across as angry, and it’s not an appropriate conversation for a first meeting.
Problems with Children/Family Relationship Conflicts
I think we’ll just call this oversharing and inappropriate. This happened to Steve, a 71-year-old man from Boston, meeting Tanya for the first time last Monday. She shared how upset she was that her 43-year-old daughter had cut her out of her life and then went on to tell him why. Steve told me afterward, “Thank God it was coffee and I was out of there in 30 minutes.”
He called me Friday afternoon to tell me about Karina, 69 – the antithesis of Tanya – who was light and laughter. They made plans to play disk golf tomorrow, and he was excited.
The Question of “No Good Men Left”
One more thing I must address: are there good men out there in the online world? You bet – I meet them every week same as my female clients. So, take ownership of your dating life and if you are not meeting the quality of men you’d like, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate how you are going about dating, the right online dating sites, the right photos… and the right attitude!
Happy Dating!
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What do you share on a first date? Do you keep the conversation light and fun? Have you blundered by raising any of the above mentioned topics?
