A match.com poll asked about men’s most toxic first-date fails – and women had plenty to share. Avoid these six things if you want to make it to the second date.
1. Phoning it in
For 75% of women, Fixating on your phone on a first-date is a top turnoff, thats according to the dating site’s annual survey. “She feels like she’s not interesting enough to hold your attention,” says Kristen Mark, director of the Sexual Health Promotion Lab at the University of Kentucky. Simple fix: use airplane mode, Mark suggests.
Related: 10 Women Reveal the Best Questions They Were Ever Asked on a Date
2. Yaw Werds
Nearly nine out of 10 women are judgmental about how you speak. Your polish is a glimpse into her future kids. “A well-bred man is likely to have wellbred children,” says Jay Heinrichs, a rhetorician and the author of Thank You for Arguing. “This isn’t just about impressing a date; it’s natural selection.” Use proper English; you don’t want her to, uh, misunderestimate your excellent background, Heinrichs says.
3. Spinelessness
Fully 84% of women routinely check for signs of confidence from a man, and first impression counts on a first-date. A subtle style gamble can help, says MH fashion editor Azeez Jacobs. A tie or pocket square in a traditionally feminine colour – like pink or purple – will let her know you’re secure with your masculinity. Just avoid anything silky or shiny.
Related: How To Slide Into Someone’s DMs Without Being A Creep
4. A foul mouth
Research links poor dental health with even poorer bank accounts, says Marianne LaFrance, a professor of psychology at Yale and the author of Why Smile? That could be why 81% of women fixate on your oral hygiene. So whiten your choppers: invest in a home kit or at least some strips.
5. Outdated outfits
Nearly seven out of 10 women look to a man’s clothing for signs of his potential as a suitable mate, the survey revealed. “Before you even open your mouth, your clothes speak for you,” says stylist Jacqui Stafford, author of The Wow Factor. Go with a fine V-neck sweater, a crisp button-down shirt, and tailored darkwash jeans for a look that’s sharp, not stuffy.
Related: Does Penis Size Matter After All? 160 Women Reveal The Answer
6. “Vintage” kicks
She’s looking down at you: nearly half the women surveyed said they closely examine your footwear. So skip the worn-out sneakers and upgrade to classic leather oxfords or wingtips, says Jacobs. You want a modern shape, so avoid anything wide, chunky, and square or long and pointy, she advises. Note: Michael Jordan has retired.
