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 @ 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 @ 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 @ loving you

First dates. Ah, the awkward, the exciting, the nerve-wracking hours when you’re not even dating, you’re just… on a date. Where small comments can make or break the next date and a weird sneeze can make you die with embarrassment. The best things to say on a first date are debatable, but there are some definite DON’Ts that we should all follow.

1) “I hate my job/life/parents”

Keep the negativity out! While you don’t need to pretend your job shoveling horse crap is your life’s goal, by highlighting the positive parts and expressing your hopeful wishes for the future, you steer clear of looking like a grouch.

2) “I want to have at least 3 kids by the time I’m 30″

Guy or lady, setting your expectations on the table within the first hours of meeting a person can be intimidating, and a major turn-off. Unless you met on Match.com and are both looking for a quick marriage, keep the conversation light-hearted for the time being.

3) “Nice shirt, does it come in a guy’s size?”

Your sarcasm might fly with your friends who think it’s a key aspect of your personality, but busting out your scathing wit on a first date could kill the mood and make your date think you’re a real jerk.

4) ” A public health care option is socialism” (or anything politically damning)

I’ve always been opposed to the rule that dinner parties should avoid talking about sex and politics, as they can get a group of people into rousing conversation. However, on your first date with someone, saying something extremely far to the left, right, or whatever direction you skew could ruin the date in a very uncomfortable fashion. Even if your date tries to get you to share your opinions, make them in as least-confrontational a manner as possible.

5) “I can’t eat that. I’m on a diet.”

Nothing makes a woman look more high-maintenance or a guy more self-centered than saying no to sharing a dessert or an appetizer because they’re on a diet. It’s great you’re watching your waistline and that health is important to you, but for goodness sake just cut back on the calories tomorrow, or risk your date being really turned off.

img @ tremendousnews

A Faux pas is defined as a violation of accepted social norms or etiquette rules. There are fashion faux pas, social faux pas, and political faux pas. We have found through dating experience that there are also dating faux pas that are consistently noticed on first dates. Here are a few of the worst.

1) Being indecisive

The first date can be nerve-wracking, we’ve said it a million times. The last thing you want to do is say something that will totally turn your date off. However, don’t be so afraid to state your opinion that you “don’t care” where you go to dinner and “will watch whatever” at the movies. You’ll either appear boring as hell or just very intimidated. Either way, it’s not cute. Don’t be afraid to say “no,” if you hate Thai food or Coen brothers movies (even though that’s just crazy).

2) Interrupting

Even if you’re busting at the seams to share that you LOVE pancakes too! it doesn’t mean you need to cut them off and never let them finish their statement. Interrupting constantly is one of the most irritating habits a person can have, because it just screams, “I’m more important than you!!!”

3) Being a Naysayer -or- a One-Upper

You know these people… you say you saw KISS in concert in 1989 and they say they liked KISS way before that. Or you say you once saw a pigeon eat a lizard and they demand that you’re wrong. Nobody enjoys feeling like they are uninteresting or “less cool” than you. If you tend to be either a one-upper or a naysayer, keep the negativity at home. It’s unattractive.

4) Trying too hard

Hey you, in the tux, with the flowers. Slow it down. The first date should be casual and fun, not stressful. Before you start running to open every door (or reapplying makeup every ten minutes, ladies), remember that you’re just trying to get to know each other, not trying to present yourself as something you’re not.

5) Bringing up the taboo topics

Assuming you aren’t a Southern Baptist who met their date on ChristianCafe.com, it’s probably best to avoid talking about religion,. Similarly, some topics to avoid are politics, money, or ex-boy/girlfriends. Keep the conversation light and casual, or else you could potentially ruin a great first date.

img @ sheknows

A recent study done by the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University probed the minds of the population, asking them exactly which acts meant “having sex.”

Most of the results were as expected… 73% believe receiving oral sex was “having sex,” while 95% were in favor of only penile-vaginal intercourse. Oddly, 89% did not consider it to be sex if the man did not ejaculate, and of course, no mention of female orgasm was mentioned.

The weirdest results, though, were probably those of the older males, of which only 77% believed penile/vaginal penetration to be sex. I am confused and somewhat grossed out. Until I realize that most of them probably didn’t hear/understand the question. Old people, huh? Apparently they haven’t been on SingleFriendFinder recently.

The point that’s important to grasp here is the fact that it’s important to know yourself- what you consider to be sex, how far you’re willing to go on a first date, and the same of your date. While we’re all for casual dating (and the sex that comes with it), keeping by whatever standards or morals you might have will ensure you never have to live with regret.

We’ve gone over the online dating “Dos” a million times: DO post a great picture, DO be thorough in your profile, DO be honest with your date and yourself. However, there are also a few adamant “Don’ts” that should be gone over in full. Here are DatePro’s top 5 online dating mistakes.

1. Thinking one great date actually meant something

Sure, you met up, you had a fun date, great conversation, and maybe even something physical afterwards, but one great date doesn’t mean you’re made for each other, or in love, or even dating. Online dating’s benefits lie in the aspect of options. By not exploring other options (while keeping that great date in mind) is a waste of whatever money you put into the site. Set up another date, sure, but don’t assume that one great date means you should stop looking.

2. Expecting your date’s profile to be 100% accurate

While we stressed the importance of honesty, we also accept that people are human, and they might stretch the truth about their age or weight or income. People want to be given a chance, and you shouldn’t be surprised if they aren’t exactly like they claimed to be. Don’t let this be a reason you get to know your date. You might realize that the little white lie doesn’t really compare to how great a person they are.

3. Narrowing your options by writing “dislikes”

While you might think that you’re making sure you only get approached by people that fit your standards, but like we noted earlier- the great part about online dating is that you’re meeting people who you would might not ever approach in real life. Open up your options, and leave out the “don’t approach me” lines. Your profile should be positive and should say who you are interested in, not who you don’t want.

4. Signing up for a one-month subscription

Only giving yourself one month to find someone great is a sure fire way to disappoint yourself, and set yourself up for failure. An open ended subscription to a site like Chemistry.com or Yahoo! Personals will not only be cheaper, but will take the pressure off and give you a better chance of finding and meeting some great person.

5. Believing going on tons of dates without finding “The One” is a failure.

First dates are exciting, a little nerve-wracking, but fun and confidence-inspiring. The more dates you go on, the better you will get at figuring out what you want in a relationship. Plus, you’ll meet great people who you might end up dating again in the future! If anything, meeting one person and then marrying them is the worst route to go, because who knows if you might find someone better?

Get out there, be confident, and stay positive. Online dating is easier that you think!

img @disasterdate

You got up the courage and asked out that attractive someone from Matchmaker.com. After a 2 hour dinner, all you can say is that you had nothing in common, he said he preferred blondes when you are clearly a brunette, or she  spit when she talked. But somehow your news-worthy awful first date still thought a second one was in order. In this case, you are going to have the unfortunate duty of rejecting the second date, which can be awkward and sometimes almost sad. Here is our guide to rejecting a second date.

1. Be nice

This might seems like an obvious one, but let the person down nicely. Throw in a “You’re a really nice girl” or a “I know you’ll find a nice girl” somewhere so that they don’t leave and hang themself from a lamppost somewhere.

2. Be honest

Don’t drop a “it’s not you, it’s me,” because it’s not true. Something about them irked you, and while you don’t have to say “the way you ate made me nauseas,” you should say, “I just didn’t feel any chemistry.” The bottom line is, if you don’t be honest about disliking them, they’ll probably still chase a second date, and having to reject them a second time is going to be terrible.

3. Be assertive

They may try and weasel in a comment about how they were nervous, or that you should try again, but you must put your foot down now, lest they leave 20 voicemails promising to be better or show up at work demanding a second date. By saying “No,” you’ll be free to move on with your life- most likely to another first date you’ll have to reject again.