But there are a handful of other no-nos that pop up regularly in women’s accounts of Really Bad First Dates.  It is these mistakes that have no excuse.  Why?  Because they can be easily prevented with minor effort and a bit of forethought.

If you don’t think it matters so much, think again – it will make the difference between planning a second date and her being busy … for the next decade or so.

Even the best daters need a little reminder once in a while.  Here, the top five first date faux pas:

#1) NOT PAYING
WHY IT’S A TURN OFF:  Unfair as you may think this is, it makes you look cheap and rude.  She’s thinking, “wow, if he doesn’t offer to pay on the first date, when he’s ostensibly trying to impress me, it’s a safe bet that he’ll be incredibly stingy in the rest of the relationship!”  Not to mention that if you’ve asked her out, picked the restaurant and expect the goodnight kiss, it’s generally polite to take care of the evening’s costs (and don’t even think about showing her the bill to “ask if you tipped enough,” so she can see how much you paid for the meal – that’s just tacky).  If she offers to chip in, don’t accept; chances are, she’s only trying to be polite, and either way, it’s better to err on the side of caution.  If you’re still feeling badly about the inequity of it all, think of this: her “first date” outfit probably cost triple the meal – and that’s if you splurged!  In the end, being chivalrous on your first date won’t hurt, and can only help. After all, you have an entire relationship to argue about money – why start now?

# 2) UNDERESTIMATING YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
WHY IT’S A TURN OFF:
No one likes a first date drunk.  Drunks do and say stupid things, they have a tendency to get touchy feely inappropriately soon, and worst of all, the possibility for vomit and/or falling down is greatly amplified. That said, we’ve all done it.  There’s nothing like first date nerves to obscure your usual tendency towards temperance.  But the further you are from your frat days, the less acceptable it is to get wildly inebriated.  Your jitters can be eased with a cocktail or two, but keep it at that.  Too many potential matches have been ruined by “just another round of double tequila shots!”

#3) BRAGGING
WHY IT’S A TURN OFF:
This always rubs women the wrong way.  If you need to boast about your financial solvency, your perk-filled job, or your celebrity connections, we’re going to think either you’re full of s—t or you’re trying to compensate for something else … if you know what we mean.  And no, “casually” mentioning your tax bracket, cost per square foot of your last real estate purchase, or your friend “who knows J. Lo,” is just annoying.  If you really have all this going on, she’ll notice without a news bulletin from you.  We promise.

#4) BEING RUDE - TO ANYONE
WHY IT’S A TURN OFF:
First dates are like job interviews.  You arrive early (even if you’re always late), you look presentable (even if you’re always in your sweats), and obviously, you’re unfailingly polite.  Can you imagine being rude to the receptionist at your brand new company?  No.  Then don’t be rude to the waitress, the doorman, or the valet.  If you’re rude now – when you’re actually trying to make a good impression – it’s safe for her to assume you’ll be a total asshole down the road.

#5) TALKING ABOUT SEX / YOUR EXES / BODILY FUNCTIONS
WHY IT’S A TURN OFF:
We’re not ready to hear about your sexual fantasies, we can’t quite stomach the details – any details! – of your last relationship, and listening to exactly why garlic “doesn’t agree with you” will upset our stomachs as well.  We have plenty of time to figure these things out. And please, please, please don't say anything negative about your exes.  You think that you’re reassuring us that they’re not competition, but all we see is a future with you criticizing us to the next woman in line.  Not a good plan.