Relationship guru reveals the 27 mistakes men make on a first date

Relationship guru reveals the 27 mistakes men make on a first date First dates are nerve-wracking for good reason, you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. Which is why psychologists suggest we pay attention when we first meet up with someone because it’s our only true chance to see people as they are, rather than as we’d like them to be. Tired of ending up with guys who treat you badly? The warning signs are there from the start. Think long and hard about a second date, if he's doing any of these on the first. Turning up late and not apologising Even if it’s just by a few minutes, the first words out of his mouth should be, 'I’m so sorry I’m late!'. followed by a brief explanation as to why. Saunter in fifteen minutes after the arranged time without a good reason and he might as well not have bothered coming at all. Wearing clothes that show he's made no effort Smelling like he hasn't showered in days, dressed scruffily (not in a good way) with musty breath and a stained shirt…if his hygiene’s this bad on a first date, what it’s going to be like when he's not on best behaviour? Not standing up if he's there first Seriously! It’s basic manners for both sexes to stand up to greet someone. Not planning anything We want to hear that he chose the pub/restaurant to impress us, not just because it’s around the corner from where he works. Admitting to making a bit of effort isn’t geeky, it’s flattering. Turning up really tired If he was out all night the night before, it means last night was more important to him than being fresh to enjoy a night with you. Having obvious mummy issues If he reveals that he's still living with or too attached to his mother, it's an obvious red flag. Equally as dangerous are men who foam at the mouth with ill-disguised hatred when he mentions her. And why is he mentioning his mother on a first date? Running into his awful friends Unlike family, we do choose our friends and if his are people you’d normally cross the street to avoid, it doesn’t bode well. Turning up drunk or getting wasted Fine to have one drink for courage, not fine if he's slurring ‘Hello’. Sometimes it’s totally the right thing to do to end up drinking way too much and stay out far too late. But you both have to be up for it. If you’re still on your first glass and he's ordering another bottle, he's got issues with alcohol. Going off to the loo to do drugs It really doesn’t matter if you’re pro or anti them, him slinking off to take anything on a first date suggests substance abuse issues. Talking too loudly If he doesn't notice or care that he's disrupting other people’s conversations hints at self-absorption and a big head. (Either that or he has a hearing problem - best check.) Talking about himself all night First dates are about getting to know each other and deciding if you have enough in common to forge a relationship. If he doesn't ask you any questions, it’s clear who’s going to be the prime focus of a relationship. Talking over you when you do get a word in is plain rude; bragging does the opposite to what he's intending. Swearing a lot Letting the odd word slip is fine, especially if he's nervous. So is him taking his cue from you if you swear every second sentence. What’s not attractive is him using particularly offensive slang when he doesn't have a clue what your view is on it.