Celebrating women is still going on, and YES, it’s for an entire month. So, if you were so preoccupied with work and life that you neglected to pamper that particular woman in your life, do not panic; it is not too late.
With flowers being scarce on the market due to their perishable nature, restaurants are fully operational, so don’t hesitate to invite her out for dinner. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when you do so, or your relationship may suffer.
At SENS, we care about your love life, hence we went the extra mile and surveyed our female readers about their dinner date icks. All you have to do is read till the end, or else you join the single league again.
Don’t be rude to the waiter:
If it’s your first date for instance, we all realize how nerve-racking it might be; nevertheless, this does not warrant being nasty to the staff/waiter who is serving you. The majority of our female readers indicated that how their date treats wait staff reveals a lot about their personality.
“I hate it when people say that a client is a boss; when it comes to service, it’s a two-way street-you need the service provider (waiter) and they need you (for the money), so you’re all equal,” Gloria, whom we’ve granted anonymity like all our sources in this story, explained, adding that anyone who is rude to the waiter is not only disrespectful, but also lacks empathy, which she can’t stand.
Avoid slurping food and drinks:
Most of our readers also found slurping drinks to be a turnoff. Gloria emphasizes the importance of fundamental table manners saying she doesn’t mind if you don’t use dining cutlery and instead use your fingers, or if you don’t offer to pay the bill on the first date, but if you chew with your mouth open, talk with food in your mouth, and, most importantly, slurp, that is a no-no for her, and she won’t think twice about leaving you at the table alone.
Dispose of that toothpick after use:
Angella, on the other hand, cannot tolerate a date who forgets the use of toothpicks and goes on to use their tongue to remove debris from the teeth. In the same way, one who knows what toothpicks do, but decides to leave them in the mouth after use.
Reserve those food comments, she doesn’t want to hear them:
While everyone has preferences, being overly picky or dismissive of the food is unappealing to the ladies. They claim it makes the date a complainer and petulant. Let alone a hint of a tedious relationship ahead. “I would never date someone who is not open-minded and willing to try new things,” they told us, implying that their love life will be boring if they do the same things every day.
Ex means ‘expired’, don’t bring it up:
For Zandee, dinner dates are about getting to know each other, not rehashing past relationships. Bringing up exes or past romantic experiences can signal emotional baggage or a lack of readiness for a new relationship. “It illustrates how unready you are to move on so why waste my time?”, she said, concluding that it’s a total turn off for her.
Keep that phone as far away as possible:
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get distracted by our phones. Much as ladies understand that you need to reply to your boss’ email with urgency, or to attend to whatever client you have to, constantly checking your phone during a date sends a message that you’re not fully present or interested. This, to them, is disrespectful and a turn off. A great date includes meaningful discussion and interaction, and women like it when their date pays attention, asks insightful questions, and has real interest in getting to know them.
Pay the bill dude, it’s what gentlemen do:
Samkele Bongweni, unlike Gloria, claims she cannot stand a date who fails to pay the bill. ‘The one who will gaze at you when the waiter brings it, instead of going for their wallets’. Bongweni believes it is not only “cruel, but also gross,” especially if the date continues to complain about how expensive it is—”think it, but don’t say it,” she says.
In the same line, money must be spent, do just that, according to Zandee. It is okay to be cautious of your money, but being overly cheap or frugal on a date might be off-putting. “Those, I don’t even entertain”, Zandee said, kissing her teeth.