5 First Date Red Flags

It’s okay to let a certain number of imperfections slide – after all, no one’s perfect. But there are certain things that, even on the first date, should send you a warning sign that this guy’s not for you.

1. He talks about himself the whole time.
There’s really no excuse for this. Even a guy who’s really nervous should think to ask you questions and should let you get a word in edgewise. If he doesn’t, it’s pretty safe to write him off as being self-centered and boring.

2. He spends more time focusing on his Blackberry than on you.
“Hello? Did you forget that I’m here?” If that’s how you felt through your date, then you can be sure that he’s got priorities other than you, and probably other than dating in general. A guy with good manners will turn off his phone during a date, or at the very least apologize and excuse himself if he really needs to take a call. Checking email is totally unacceptable.

3. He talks too much about sex.
A little flirtatious innuendo is cool, but you don’t need to hear about his sexual fantasies and his ability to achieve an incredibly long lasting erection on the first date. This guy clearly has one thing on his mind. And one thing only.

4. He’s boring.
Now you don’t want to be too hasty in your judgment here; maybe he’s shy. But if after the date you can’t remember a single interesting or note-worthy thing he said, then you should move on to more exciting bait.

5. He isn’t over his ex.
How will you know if this is the case? If he doesn’t shut up about her. Whether he daydreams aloud about how she was the catch that got away or if he talks trash about her for two hours straight, one thing is clear: He’s not over her. And until he is, he shouldn’t be out on a date with you.