A first date can survive an awkward pause, a mediocre restaurant, and even a joke that lands with the enthusiasm of a damp napkin. What often hurts a man’s chances is something less obvious: the little choices that make a woman feel like she’s attending a job interview, managing a stranger’s ego, or waiting for her turn to speak.
Five major mistakes men make on the first date have surprisingly little to do with looks, money, or finding the perfect restaurant. They involve attention, expectations, and the difference between trying to impress someone and actually getting to know her. Most men who make these mistakes aren’t trying to ruin the evening. They simply focus on the wrong things, sometimes without realizing how their behavior comes across.