1You're already off to a bad start. They're running over 15 minutes late. They just text you "be there soon!" you text back:
“sure no prob take your time”
“trouble finding parking? there’s a garage down the street.”
“if traffic sucks let’s just reschedule”
“you have 5 more min – then i’m leaving”
2And now they're here! In your dream hell-scape, what's the worst thing that could happen to make this first impression truly suck?
They're underdressed
BAD BREATH
They look nothing like their picture
They're overly affectionate right off the bat
3Your date will not get off his phone for anything! RUDE. What do you do?
Break out your phone, catch up on your e-mails.
Ask what’s so interesting on there
Offer your phone to show them a video of a kitty and turtle that are friends.
Politely let them know that it bothers you
4Now your date has started bragging all about themselves. They're super egotistical, materialistic, and shallow. Gross. How do you feel? What do you do?
It’s not ideal, but it’s not a total deal breaker
It depends on what they’re bragging about. Their job? They get a pass. Literal things? GET A LIFE!
Remind them that life isn’t about money or material posessions
Wink, and ask what they’d like to buy you as a present
5Cool, now let's just add the world's worst table manners to this mix. Don't dry heave! What do you want to do next?
Give them your napkin
Tell them they have something on their face
Go “excuse you!” after they belch loudly
Dig into a giant stack of baby back ribs and buffalo wings. When in Rome!
It’s fine, but we draw the line at them eating off of my plate
6Nothing's technically wrong, but they're ONLY talking about themselves. And they won't stop talking! Fix this! What's your move?
Interject with fun stories about you and your life
Ask them follow up questions. Maybe they’ll take the hint?
Zone out but still pepper the conversation with key phrases like “Really?” and “That’s crazy!”
Ignore them, do something else
7The dreaded awkward silence. You two have zero chemistry and the conversation has died a painful death. Resuscitate this date now! What do you do?
Take up the mantle and talk at length about something you’re an expert on
Ask them questions to get the conversation flowing again
Make small talk. The weather, the restaurant you’re at, literally anything, just keep talking!
Get on your phone where people actually talk back to you
8FINALLY! ONE OF YOU HAS GONE TO THE BATHROOM! A private moment to yourself. Take out your phone. You do what?
Play a game
Check social media
Text a friend to come bail you out
9Your date just casually insulted something you love very dearly. Let's get ourselves out of this mess, shall we? What do you say?
Say that you love it and you’re sorry they don’t feel the same way
Throw down and get into a heated debate
Ask them more about why they hate it
Double back and say you were never that into it in the first place
10They've gone really gung-ho talking about your future together: meeting their parents, if you want kids, those kids' names. YIKES! Now what?
Casually remind them that it’s only the first date and you’ll just see where it goes from there
Say sure why not… as long as they play their cards right
Say you’ll table this conversation for a year down the road in this relationship
Say that you’re not sure how they want you to respond to this. Just put it out there!
11Some dates can't be saved. What's your number one hard and fast deal breaker? There's no coming back from this one.