Married at First Sight's love guru reveals the biggest faux pas people make on a first date

Release time：2024-05-21 06:19:48 Source：International Identities news portal

First dates can be exciting and nerve-wracking experiences for singletons.

If you're not a frequent dater, it can be difficult to know the correct etiquette and come across as the best version of yourself, especially if you're a nervous person.

To combat those first date anxieties, Paul C. Brunson, Tinder's Global Relationships Insight Expert and Married at First Sight love guru, has shared his advice on getting ready for that all-important moment when you meet someone for the first time.

From the activity you choose to do to, to keeping safe, there are a number of things to bear in mind when it comes to meeting someone in real life that you came across on a dating app - including the biggest faux pas that you should avoid.

Read on for five of the legendary matchmaking guru's top tips that will equip you to take on the overwhelming task of stepping into the dating scene.

Paul C. Brunson, Tinder's Global Relationships Insight Expert and Married at First Sight love guru, has shared his advice in getting ready for that all-important moment when you meet someone for the first time

1. Explore new experiences

Paul reminds singles that dates don't need to be restricted to the 'traditional' dinner and drinks. 

A setting this formal can be uncomfortable for some people, including the awkward ending where you decide who's paying or if you're splitting the bill. 

Instead, the dating expert advises: 'Find something that works for both of you, such as a shared interest or a simple walk in the park with a coffee'.

You can always progress to an evening out for food and drinks on your second or third meeting. 

2. Date plans should not be solo information 

The second tip applies to keeping safe while heading out on first dates - it's important to make sure you have told someone that you're going on a date, as well as who you're going with and where.

Paul suggests: 'From deciding where to meet, what to do, and what to wear, remember to share your date plans. 

'It should be part of your ‘date ready checklist’. Thanks to Tinder’s ‘Share My Date’ feature, it’s even easier to share your date plans directly from the app with your friends and loved ones.'

The new feature, which is being rolled out in the coming months, means users can share their date plans directly with friends and loved ones from the app.

With one easy link, users will be able to share date information - including location, date, time, and a photo of their match - directly from the app

According to new research by the app, more than half of singles (51%) under 30 already let their friends know the details of their dates, and according to new in-app polling data, one in five Tinder users (18%) share their date plans with their mother.

With one easy link, users will be able to share date information - including location, date, time, and a photo of their match - directly from the app. 

They can decide who they want to share their date with and create an unlimited number of dates within the app up to 30 days in advance.

Date plans are also editable, so if plans change at the last minute, users can simply update the info in the app to keep their circle in the know.

3. Be yourself

While this next point may seem like an obvious one, Paul stresses that authenticity is what young singles value most.

If you're nervous, it can be tempting to try to put on a facade to make yourself seem more interesting.

However, this is not a good idea as you likely won't be able to keep it up on your future dates with this person and it's always better to be yourself. 

Paul warns: 'Don’t try to be someone you’re not. In the era of ‘all or nothing’ dating, value-based qualities such as respect and loyalty are highly regarded'. 

A big faux pass that's easy to make is to constantly pick up your phone while you're on a first date - you may not even realise you're doing it (stock image)

4. Phone down, eyes up 

In the era of TikTok and online dating, your phone can almost feel like an extension of yourself.

A big faux pass that's easy to make is to constantly pick up your phone while you're on a first date - you may not even realise you're doing it.

The dating expert insists: 'Make sure you give your date your full attention. It’s second nature to pick up your phone – especially when nervous – but this will interrupt the flow of your date. 

'Turn your phone to silent, pop it out of sight, and have eyes for your date only. What’s important is that you’re present.'

Having your eyes glued to your phone could cause your date to think you're not interested or even put them off you.

5. It's cool to be kind 

Finally, the Married at First Sight love guru stresses that it's important to be kind, even if the date isn't going the way you expected.

Paul advises: 'Sometimes an IRL (In Real Life) date can flatline. Remember always to treat your date with respect and how you’d want to be treated. 

'Even if things don’t end up working out romantically, you might just make a new friend out of it, and who knows where that could take you. 

'But most importantly trust your gut - it’s okay to call time on a date if it’s just not working for you.'

Commenting on the new Share My Date feature, Tinder CMO Melissa Hobley said: 'Discussing plans with friends and family is a time-honoured dating ritual. 

'Share My Date streamlines this basic info-sharing so singles can jump right to the exciting part, from figuring out what to wear to prepping conversation topics.'

The new feature will roll out across the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, India, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Japan, Brazil, Switzerland, Mexico, Netherlands, Italy, Korea, Vietnam and Thailand in the coming months. 

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