Wednesday, December 4, 2024

It takes exactly 15 minutes to get the measure of someone on a first date

It takes exactly 15 minutes to get the measure of someone on a first date

It takes exactly 15 minutes to get the measure of someone on a first date, according to a study.

Within the first quarter of an hour, if you laugh too loudly, are overly-complementary or turn up with a poem to hand, you can forget about having a second date.

Researchers have identified the top 50 ways daters are weighing up the success of a first encounter on a real date – and it shows weird mannerisms such as blinking a lot or jiggling legs, over-familiar banter and being too touch-feely all quash the chances of rendezvous number two.

But the study found two thirds of daters think people have lost the art of conversation due to the rise of dating apps, which means face to face dating has become more difficult than ever.

As such, more than half of those polled find themselves struggling to engage in relaxed dialogue when meeting someone for the first time.

Gaston Tourn, CMO of Badoo, which carried out the study via OnePoll.com said: “Despite us living in a digital age a real life one on one date is always going to be the best way to see if the spark is there.

“The clock is on for those first 15 minutes for people to show off their true personalities.

“Our biggest aim is to get people offline and meeting face-to-face, so we’re actually launching Badoo Live, a live streaming feature this summer, to encourage real life interactions and more genuine connections. We don’t just care about swiping or matches – we care about real life dates – the rest is up to you!”

The study found talking about body size or image, using cheesy chat up lines, and talking about soap operas like they’re real life will all ruin any prospect of a second date.

Those who are obsessed with social media, constantly check their phone throughout the date and who act loud and obnoxiously can also expect not to hear back from a potential suitor ever again.

The survey also uncovered a list of the things singletons should never talk about on the first date – as well as the ex, 59 per cent of adults say you should never talk about sexual past, while 39 per cent say discussions shouldn’t touch upon starting a family.

The art of conversation really is a minefield though as three in 10 adults believe you shouldn’t talk about money, a quarter don’t like to hear about politics, and 34 per cent say never talk about major life plans.

It also emerged a two hour date, which involves a face to face meeting over dinner and drinks is the best way to get to know someone properly.

Walking in the countryside, travelling to see something and attending a music festival are just some of the other ways daters feel a potential love interest could get to know them better.

Gaston Tourn added: “Dating can be a minefield but it’s also meant to be fun, and that’s what comes from those face to face moments when you get to know someone’s quirks.

“It’s common sense that good manners go a long way – nobody wants to think a phone is more important than getting to know them; be polite, be engaging, and enjoy yourself.”

TOP 50 FIRST DATE NO-NO’S

1. Bad breath

2. Being loud and obnoxious

3. Banging on about an ex-partner

4. Profusely sweating

5. Constantly checking their phone

6. They talk politics all evening

7. Chewing gum loudly

8. Social-media obsessed

9. Vaping indoors/at the table

10. They spend the date blowing their own trumpet

11. Texting or taking a call on the date

12. Being a bit too touchy-feely

13. Failing to ask the other person about themselves

14. They leave you on your own to go for a cigarette

15. Crying

16. Having a psycho ex

17. They conveniently forget their wallet

18. Talking about mummy or daddy

19. Talking too much so you can’t get a word in edgeways

20. Snorting when they laugh

21. Eating with their mouth full

22. Over-familiar banter

23. The use of cheesy chat up lines

24. Not at least offering or making an attempt to pay the bill

25. Talking about soap operas like they’re real life

26. Admitting they have a high / low sex drive

27. Turning up with a poem in hand

28. Weird mannerisms such as blinking too much or a jiggling leg

29. A terrible first kiss

30. Being too keen too quickly

31. They drink several alcoholic beverages in the first hour

32. Boasting about their job

33. They’re wearing a bizarre choice of clothing

34. Not offering to go halves on the bill

35. They agree with everything you say

36. Having a yin-yang tattoo

37. They’re either way to tall or short for you

38. They constantly clear their throat

39. Talking about body image or size

40. Laughing too loudly at jokes

41. They make loads of trips to the toilet

42. Being overly complementary

43. They use a toothpick

44. Admitting they like reality TV

45. They have a weird laugh

46. Being a veggie/vegan

47. Opening up too much

48. Bad shoes

49. Admitting they still live at home

50. Suggesting seeing a boring rom-com at the cinema