via virilemag

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, this week is National Pet Peeves Week, which is funny because my pet peeves exist all damn year long. However, along with things like “people chewing loudly” and “one-uppers,” and “text messages with numbers in them,” people also have pet peeves about dating!

To celebrate this irksome holiday, dating site Zoosk asked 1500 of its members what some of their biggest pet peeves were, and shared them with the world via PR Newswire, so we could all make sure not to do (too many of) them on our next dates! From the press release:

Women say their #1 first date pet peeve is when their date is “smelly.”

• Women want you (and your breath) to smell nice! Single women ranked their top pet peeves on a first date as follows:
  • #1 pet peeve – when my date is smelly (45%)
  • #2 pet peeve – when my date is “too occupied with a cell phone” (22%)
  • #3 pet peeve – when my date is running late (13%)
  • #4 pet peeve – when my date talks about himself too much (5%)
  • #5 pet peeve – when my date peppers me with questions and treats the date like a job interview (5%)

Men say their #1 first date pet peeve is when a date is “too occupied with a cell phone.”

• Turn off the phone and put on deodorant! Single men ranked their top pet peeves on a first date as follows:
  • #1 pet peeve – when my date is “too occupied with a cell phone” (51%)
  • #2 pet peeve – when my date is smelly (21%)
  • #3 pet peeve – when my date is running late (10%)
  • #4 pet peeve – when my date peppers me with questions and treats the date like a job interview (7%)
  • #5 pet peeve – when my date is wearing too much makeup (7%)

Who knew there were so many things that bothered people? Well, honestly, probably everyone. But it’s interesting to see the differences between things that bug women on dates and things that get under the guys’ skins! It makes sense though, women do tend to be a bit more attached to their phones, and women are probably much more sensitive to their dates’ hygiene. PR Newswire shares more of singles’ pet peeves, and whether or not people can get past them!) at the source.

What do you think? Do you have any pet peeves that will make or break a date? Or are you more forgiving? Let us know in the comments!

The bloggers at Tastebuds took those stats and compared them to their readily available info on what its users’ favorite bands are. Assigning a score to each person’s willingness to hook up on the first date, they were able to compile this graph, which shows that the hardest rock fans like Nirvana and Metallica-lovers are most likely to put out. In the middle are more mid-range bands like Arcade Fire, The Beatles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Pink Floyd, who would probably make out with you and then shyly push you away and tell you they have to go, and down at the bottom? Coldplay and Adele fans, heart-wrenching love-song fanatics who would rather DIE than even kiss you on the first date.

On a first date, asking people what their favorite band is has always been a cheesy “icebreaker” sort of question, but now that we know that the type of music someone likes could give you a clue as to whether or not you’re going to get to third base that night, well… maybe we’ll actually start paying attention to what they answer! ;)

Every time we think the bloggers at OKCupid couldn’t possibly come up with another statistic-based post that holds our attention from start to finish, they do it again. This time, with “The Best Questions for a First Date,” which gives great tips to those of us who walk into first dates feeling like we’re about to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, terrified we’ll screw it up (get it? Because Christina did that?).

They did a bunch of number-y mathish things (blogger here — not good at math), and came up with a bunch of friendly, unobtrusive questions that correlate very high with the real important questions we all think about while on a first date.

For example, if you’re wondering, “am I going to get laid tonight?” you might want to ask, “do you like the taste of beer?”

And if you want to know if you and your date have the same politics, a fun but revealing question is, “Do you prefer people in your life to be simple or complex?”

Interesting, right? For more on the best questions to ask on the first date, check out the OKCupid blog for the rest of the stats.

img via lovingyou.com

Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend and you know what that means… no ladies allowed, right?

Not true! Sure, the first weekend of February is, historically, a man’s event. Since its inception women have sighed and excused themselves to the mall or girls night to allow the men to do… whatever it is that they do during this celebration of testosterone.

Now, though, it’s 2011, and women have every chance to experience the fun of Super Bowl weekend as men, so long as they abide by the same rules that the guys do. Thinking about heading to a bar or a Super Bowl party solo? This could be a great opportunity to meet a cute guy and hit it off! Just make sure you follow DatePro’s top 3 tips to flirting on Super Bowl Sunday.

1) Do your research

You don’t want to show up to a Packers bar wearing a Steelers jersey, and definitely don’t want to accidentally call Aaron Rodgers “Roger Aarons”, so make sure you’ve got at least a little background about what’s going on. Don’t overload on info if you don’t know much about football, though, because the most hilarious thing is watching someone oblivious tosports try and talk about football. Learn the teams, a couple players, and the predictions about who’s going to win. That way when that cutie from the bar asks you who you’re rooting for, you won’t have to answer, “uh… the blue guys?”

2) Don’t be too forward

The key on a day like this is to be moderate. You don’t want to look desperate, but you want to garner a little attention… you want to be friendly, but not too pushy. To do this, you MUST avoid talking too much during the game itself. Commercials and half time are your opportunity to shine. Catch a single guy’s eye that piques your interest, give him a sweet smile, and then move on. Trust us – he’ll remember it at the next break. OR, if you’re daring, interrupt the half time show (The Black Eyed Peas are performing) and say something like, “the Black Eyed Peas are outdated and awful, I bet you’re more entertaining.” But remember, that could backfire… your potential man might be a BIG Fergie fan (although let’s hope not!).

3) Don’t get your expectations too high

To be fair, many guys REALLY only go to Super Bowl parties or bars to genuinely watch football. They have no desire to flirt or find a date. However, after parties may happen, and THAT may be your gold mine. Ask the bartender or a friendly guy where everyone is headed for after the game. But remember, keep your booze intake to a manageable level. It’s Sunday, you might work tomorrow, and the last thing you want is to be remembered as “that drunk chick who doesn’t get football.” It’s much classier to disappear early than to stumble into a guy’s car that you had earlier labeled a “5+.” Not cute!

Good luck, and Happy Super Bowl Sunday Dating!

img @ api.ning.com

When you’re young (I’m thinking, 15 or 16) and you start dating, it’s quite possibly one of the most exciting times of your life. Not only do you fall in love at the drop of a hat, but you often forget all about the very real potential that this person, your first love, isn’t your only love.

However, resisting the desire to up and get married the second you think you’re in love is the smartest thing you can do. A recent article in The Daily Beast by Anneli Rufus discusses many statistics about the likelihood of divorce, and what is one of the leading causes of divorce? Marrying too young. She says in the article,

If you’re a woman who got married before the age of eighteen, your marriage faces a 48 percent likelihood of divorce within ten years.

Age matters. Study after study shows that the younger the married couple, the riskier the bond. The risk drops to 40 percent for women who married at age eighteen or nineteen, drops further to 29 percent for women who married at age 20 to 24, and drops even further to 24 percent for women who married at age 25 or older.

So slow it down, young ones. This first intense love you’re feeling may feel great, but trust us when we say it won’t be the last!

img @ sheknows

We all have pet-peeves… little details that for no understandable reason just irk us more than others. Some people are very demanding about the brand of their toilet paper, others can’t stand when people get up during a movie to use the bathroom. And while you may be caught off guard by a person’s crazy quirks, there are a few habits in dating that are almost universally hated.

1) Monopolizing the conversation

There should be a decent give and take between two people, especially on a first date. Of course you want to share information about yourself, and give your date a good idea of what kind of person you are, but over-sharing, exaggerating, bragging about your life experiences or just generally trying to sound too smart is an instant turn of for almost anyone in the dating world.

2) Talking about your ex

No one, I can promise you, no one likes hearing all about their date’s ex situation. If you’ve just gotten out of a relationship, you can of course mention this, but going on a 10 minute rant about how depressed you were or how much you hate your ex is an ultimate downer.

3) Getting overly sexual

Especially if you’re having a quiet dinner at a nice restaurant, no matter how good you think your chemistry is, dropping creepy sexual innuendo into every other sentence is going to do the opposite of what you intend it to.

4) Pushing on a wall

If you are very interested, but can tell that your date isn’t really all that into it, it’s probably a good idea to back off. You know exactly how it feels when a person pursues you that you are uninterested in, so don’t push that kind of awkwardness on your date. The harder you push, the more they’ll back away.

5) Pushing your ideas and beliefs on people

It’s great to have passions. Whether they are spiritual, political, or any other -al. However, a first date is the last place you want to start spouting those. Further on in the dating game your date may find it attractive that you’re a passionate person about whatever cause you stand for, but it will come off as too forward and very unpleasant.

img @ glamour

Now that the cold season is over and Summer is nearly upon us, it’s time to think up some new ideas for Summer date ideas. Indoor cozy dinners and wine by a fireplace are no longer acceptable, and the opportunities for summer fun are practically endless! Here are a few of DatePro’s favorite Summer date ideas.

1) Car wash:

Nothing like a sudsy car wash in the hot sun to create some sexy, soapy fun. Not only will you be saving some dough by washing your car yourself, but 9 times out of 10, it will lead to some bedroom action, too.

2) Oceanic activites

Whether it be the more exciting jet skiing or the more relaxed kayaking, being on the water together can be a great experience. And the more daring the sport, the more adrenaline you pump, and the higher your libido will peak ;).

3) The drive-in movie theater

The Summertime is when it’s finally warm enough to sit outside at night, and watching a good old fashioned horror movie on a Summer night is a cute, fun way to get close to your date.

4) Hiking

Taking a drive up to a nearby mountain or trail path can be a fun, quiet way to get a workout while being away from the loud noises of the city, enabling you to talk and enjoy each other’s company.

5) An amusement park

While they might be aimed more at kids, a fun day at Disneyland, Six Flags, or even a local amusement park, is romantic and will remind you of being a teenager in love. Take tons of pictures and you’ll have great memories of your time together!

img @ yourtango

Blind dates are the dating world’s equivalent to sky diving or bungee jumping. You have no idea what you’re getting into, you’re nervous and afraid that one screw up could ruin the whole experience (although I suppose you probably wouldn’t die).

Just as with jumping out of a plane or off a platform, there are certain steps you should take to mentally and physically prepare yourself for the excitement that is blind dating… here are a few tips to get your nerves under control, whether you’re meeting a family friend or someone a pal met on Match.com.

1) Get dressed up

Feeling good about the way you look is the first step to enjoying yourself. When you feel attractive, you’re more likely to be confident and self-assured on your date.

2) Drop your expectations

Decide to have fun no matter what the night brings. If anything, your date could be a complete psychopath with no common decency. But hey- imagine the great stories you’ll have for your friends!

3) Laugh

There is always something funny to find in a situation, even if it’s awkward. By letting your serious face go and just enjoying the moment, you’ll find times to laugh and have fun, even if it’s because they’ve had broccoli in their teeth for 30 minutes.

4) Drop the insecurity

Even if you feel uncomfortable with your new haircut or think you won’t be attractive enough for them, keep your head up and don’t bother feeling insecure. On a blind date, it’s your one time to realize that you’ve got NOTHING to lose.

5) Watch the alcohol

A few glasses of wine will loosen you up. 6 of them will make you sloppy and unattractive. Sip slowly and don’t lose your cool, you’ll have a great night!

img @ justinmchood

No matter how many cheesy romantic comedies you see where the handsome, dashing lead man falls for the dorky girl in glasses, the truth remains that looks are and always will be important in attraction. Plus, the movies have a catch- most nerds don’t look like Jessica Alba.

Single or not, think about the last time you felt extreme attraction for someone of the opposite sex, either in person or on a dating site like Chemistry.com. Now name the three things that you remember liking the most. And don’t lie and say “they were really nice,” because you know that’s not the initial attraction. It was probably their beautiful eyes, a svelte figure, or a great smile. And while you probably eventually fell for their great personality, almost 100% of the time the first heart pounds come from some physical aspect.

Don’t think that this means you have to try and fit into some mold that Hollywood hot bods have created. However, hitting the gym and sprucing up your wardrobe can do wonders for your dating life. Don’t forget your personality matters too, though, so read a book while you ride a stationary bike, because even the hottest men and women can be ruined by a crappy personality.

img @ ehow

We’ve spent a lot of time on this blog discussing the numerous ways that women sabotage first dates, and we realize that maybe our attempts at dishing advice are making dating seem more a hassle than fun! Here, we’re going to take a more positive approach, explaining a few of the great things you can do that will make your date go great!

1) Eat.

If you’re out to dinner, the last thing a guy wants is for you to take three bites of your $30 entree and leave the rest. Eat! Enjoy your dinner and show that you like eating. Although we’ve come to a point in life where eating is more a necessity than a past time, history and science show that eating together can be gratifying and pleasurable.

2) Laugh

You can always tell when a person is fake laughing. It comes out forced and unnatural. So don’t take this advice as a hint to be obnoxious or superficial. But if something is funny, laugh! There is no need to hide your mouth or try to play it coy. Guys like a girl who’s not afraid to have fun even if she looks a little silly.

3) Be a good listener

There seems to be some misunderstanding among humans that only women ever want to be listened to. Although ladies do like to talk (and will usually admit it), it doesn’t mean your date doesn’t want you to hear his part too. He might patiently sit there waiting for a break in conversation, but he probably has something to share too. So quiet down and ask him questions, too, and he’ll be glad to go on a second date with you.

4) Be polite to the service people

Whether it’s a server, busser, host, or valet guy, being polite to the people waiting on you is a great sign. Even if you think you’re receiving poor service, be patient and polite. Being understanding and composed will show your date you’re not one to blow up over little things. If you lose it when the waiter brings you ranch instead of Italian dressing, he’s gonna be wondering how many other things you’ll blow up over.

5) Pick your topics wisely

Spencer and Heidi’s reality show or your best friends recent breast augmentation should probably remain as friend-conversation. Instead, be prepared with some interesting questions or conversation starters, like about high school hobbies, what sports the like, or traveling. Showing that you’ve got interests away from MTV will be a huge turn on. (Side note: Probably keep the “religion/politics” talk for date 5, you don’t wanna scare him off!)