10 things that turn women off on a date

You know how it is: you’re sitting across from him, he smiles, conversation’s running smoothly and then… BOOM. The Ick strikes mercilessly. Suddenly, you want out, right away. How could you ever think this was going to be fun?! Whether it’s his smacking mouth or that awkward flex about his crypto investments, some things are just instant deal-breakers. So men, pay attention! Here are 10 things that massively turn women off.

1. Bad table manners 

If you eat soup like it’s a sound contest or hold your cutlery like a toddler just learning to eat, it’s game over. Nobody wants an ASMR experience with crispy fries and smacking sounds.

2. “Look how rich I am” flex 

“My car? Oh yeah, I paid for it in cash.” “This Rolex? I got it from my business partner.” Sigh. If you have to brag about your money, that’s probably the most interesting thing about you. And spoiler: that doesn’t make you more attractive.

3. A total ‘I just dragged myself out of bed’ look 

Not making an effort for a date is just disrespectful. Dirty nails, greasy hair or a shirt with a clear week-old odor? No, thanks.

4. Too much talk about his ex 

“My ex was really psycho.” Oh, was she now? Or could that be you, maybe? Men who constantly put their ex down, or – even worse – praise them, are a hard pass.

5. Snapping at staff 

If he snaps at a waitress or treats his Uber driver like his personal servant, you better run. Now! Because if he treats strangers that way, how will he treat you down the line?

6. Only talking about himself 

If you ask a question and get a 45-minute monologue about his fitness routine, you know enough: this man is basically dating himself.

7. Jealous behavior (on date one?!) 

“Who is that guy you were just texting?” Uhm, excuse me? If he’s already giving you a hard time about your phone or looking half angry when the kind waiter smiles at you, imagine what he’d be like if you were in an actual relationship… NEXT.

8. Trying too hard to be funny 

Okay, humor is sexy. But continuously making bad jokes, filling every moment of silence with a forced one-liner and pretending to be a lost member of Comedy Central? Cringe.

9. No respect for personal space 

We get it, he likes you. But if he immediately brushes your hair behind your ear, rests his hand on your lower back just a tad too long or ‘accidentally’ keeps touching your leg? Creep alert!

10. Zero effort, zero energy

Does he pay more attention to his phone than you? Is he slumped in his seat as if this is the most boring night of his life? If he can’t even fake being interested, then away with him.

Moral of the story?
Sometimes, a date starts out as a romantic Netflix-movie, but ends up a horror story. The ick is relentless and once you feel it, you know it’s time to call it quits. Luckily that only means one thing: on to a better date, with a man who DOES know how it’s done.