by Stephanie Watson

Just about everyone has at least one nightmare dating story. Most of them are the run-of-the-mill, “I got stood up” or “She never called” tales, but a few are frightening enough to make any sane single person want to crawl under the covers.

For example, Marisa’s blind date with her younger sister’s soccer coach seemed to be going well, until halfway through dinner when he came out with: “I just need to ask you one important question before we move forward — do you believe in werewolves? Because I need to be with a woman who shares my interest in mythical creatures.” [source: Fox News] Hmm…maybe not a love connection!

From minor blunders to faux pas serious enough to qualify as “nightmare dating stories,” we’ll count down some of the biggest dating mistakes people make. Some are foolish and others are rude, but just about all of them will prevent you from ever getting to the second date.

10: Too Much Information

You’ve known each other for all of one hour, and already you’re sharing the details of your abusive childhood, your last five relationships, your political and religious beliefs, and even your latest doctor visit. For at least the first few dates, leave your intimate stories and emotional baggage at home.

Remember that you don’t know a person on the first date — or even the second or third dates. Not only are you divulging intimate details about yourself to a complete stranger, but by talking incessantly, you’re also not letting your date get a word in edgewise. You can be sure you’re not going to get a chance to stage a repeat performance on a second date.

Get to know each other a little before you spill the entire contents of your life, and give your date a chance to talk, too. Only by having a two-way conversation will you be able to figure out if this person is worthy of a second date.

Once you get to know one another a little better, you can start introducing more personal information (though you might want to wait on sharing the details of your doctor visits until you’re married).

9: Embarrassing Moments

The first date is your only chance to make a first impression. Here’s a tip: If you drink too much Merlot and throw up all over your date’s shoes, unless you are a supermodel, A-list celebrity or the CEO of a multinational corporation, chances are this date is going to be your last with this person.

Here are a few other embarrassing moments that can quickly ruin a date:

• Forgetting your date’s name (a mistake that will be amplified if you happen to run into someone you know and are forced to make an introduction)
• Not realizing until the check arrives that you’ve forgotten your wallet
• Running into an ex-girlfriend or boyfriend at your old favorite restaurant (especially if you spend the rest of the meal crying over that ex)
• Spilling food all over your shirt, or splitting your pants
• Choking on a piece of food
• Belching loudly
• Having “intestinal issues” and spending half the meal in the bathroom

Embarrassing moments like these can make for a memorable date, but not in a good way. Your relationship might end that night, but look on the bright side — at least you’ll have a funny story to tell your friends later.

 

8: Ex-Obsessed

You’ve finally met someone who seems to be perfect. The only problem is that she can’t stop talking about her ex-boyfriend: How handsome he was, how perfect in every way, and how he tore her heart into little pieces. You know the color of his hair, the exact shade of his eyes, and what made him laugh. How are you supposed to start a relationship with a girl who still hasn’t finished her last one?

It’s understandable that we tend to hold on to the relationships that were most special to us. As time passes, the ex in question gets put on a pedestal. All of his or her transgressions are forgiven and forgotten, until only the goodmemories remain — even if the relationship itself was far from perfect.

If you’re the new girl or guy, it can be hard to live up to an ex’s idyllic standards. Whether you stick it out and hope that the person you’re dating will eventually move on and get more into you depends on how invested you are in the relationship. You can make an ultimatum — “It’s her or me” — but only if you’re prepared to walk out if the answer is “her.”