FIVE MAJOR FIRST-DATE MISTAKES THAT WILL PUT ALMOST ANY WOMAN OFF

Researchers set out to find out what a man can do on a first date that makes a second one far less likely. The results were pretty interesting, and some of them aren't necessarily obvious, at least from a man's point of view. Each woman surveyed could name up to three mistakes, so the percentages add up to more than 100%.

Mistake number one: inappropriate humour and cheesy pick-up lines. Most of those supposedly clever lines have already been heard countless times before. Some 75% of the women surveyed mentioned this as a problem. So don't become yet another guy recycling the same tired lines and expecting them to work. Speaking naturally and actually being yourself isn't always as easy as it sounds, but it usually makes a much better impression.

Mistake number two: spending too much time on your phone. This was mentioned by 60% of the women surveyed. If you're spending half the date staring at your screen, checking messages or scrolling through other women's profiles, don't expect the person sitting across from you to feel particularly important. If you've invited someone out for a real-life date, your phone can probably survive an hour or two without you.

Mistake number three: poor hygiene and an untidy appearance. Half of the women surveyed mentioned this one. Maybe you didn't have time for a shower after the gym, perhaps you went a little too hard on the onions at lunch, or maybe your dating profile photos were considerably more flattering than reality. Interestingly, plenty of women specifically mentioned teeth. So if you've been avoiding the dentist for years, it might be worth sorting that out before wondering why there wasn't a second date.

Mistake number four: turning the date into a political argument. A first date probably isn't the ideal time to turn a table at an Auckland bar or restaurant into a televised debate. There's nothing wrong with having different opinions, but aggressively trying to convince your date that you're right can kill a relaxed atmosphere remarkably quickly.

Mistake number five: ordering alcohol immediately or simply drinking too much. Sure, first dates can be nerve-racking, and having a drink may help you relax. That doesn't mean you need to work your way through half the bar to become more confident or talkative. If a few drinks turn into enough alcohol that you stop paying attention to what you're saying or doing, your chances of another date can drop pretty quickly.

The takeaway is fairly simple: a good first date doesn't require an elaborate strategy. Natural conversation, genuine interest in the person sitting opposite you, good personal hygiene and a bit of social awareness usually work better than rehearsed pick-up lines, constantly checking your phone or trying to manufacture confidence with alcohol. Whether you're meeting someone through a dating app in Auckland, Wellington or anywhere else in New Zealand, being present and treating the other person with respect is a pretty solid place to start.