Want a date with a woman? Don’t do these things
This article is for anyone trying to get a date with a woman.
As a woman myself, and working with 65 per cent female clients of all ages, I have some insider information on what women want when it comes to dating ... and what they don’t. I’m going to break it down in simple terms. Do any of these things, and your chances of getting a date dwindle. Avoid them, and you’re on the right path.
1. Gym selfies
Why, oh why, do men post these? I have a few hypotheses. It’s obvious that they think we, as women, want to see that they are in shape. Sure — we do. But we want to see you clothed. Period. If you’re in good shape, then we can tell ... even if you’re wearing a sweater! (Sometimes, I honestly think men are posting these pictures for other men to see and be jealous. And sometimes I think they just want to show off.) No women I know, friends or clients alike, will swipe right or contact someone because of a gym picture. If anything, they are liking you despite the picture.
Someone just said it best on my Instagram page: “I ‘swipe left’ on anyone with gym pics because, to me, it signals they need or want external validation, which I find problematic for many reasons, including cheating, being a follower, and having low self-esteem, none of which are qualities I want in a date, let alone a partner.”
So, feel free to show women what you like to do — hiking, biking, surfing — but don’t take a gym selfie in the mirror (and claim it’s a hobby). No one wants to see that ... except you.
So look in a mirror and admire yourself, but don’t subject the women you don’t know to it.
2. Pet names
If you don’t know a woman yet, don’t call her “babe,” “baby,” “boo,” “beautiful,” “cutie,” “hun,” “honey” or anything that sounds remotely similar. These are terms of endearment that should be saved for when you’re in a relationship, and only if your partner likes them. Before you know someone, those terms come off as patronizing and condescending.
3. The phone number thrust
You’re having a great conversation and you want to take it to the next level — a phone call or text exchange. (For the record, I don’t recommend doing this. Just arrange the date on the site/app. Things usually get lost in the shuffle once you move to text, and the date doesn’t happen.) You think, “I’ll just send her my number. No biggie.” She reads this as, “He’s lazy. Why can’t he reach out to me first?” or “Why can’t he be a gentleman and ask for my number? I don’t want to text him first!” Especially on Bumble, where the woman already has to make the first move, she doesn’t want to continue making all the first moves. My recommendation? Arrange the date online, and then a day before, write this: “Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow! In case you need to reach me, here’s my number. What’s yours?” This is so much better than, “Here’s my number. Text me.” No thank you.
4. The Google malfunction
Funny — I thought we all used Google. Apparently some people don’t! Women get very frustrated when someone says, “Why don’t you pick a place?” or “What did you have in mind?” There’s a lot of pressure there. Do you want to meet at a nice bar, a dive, a coffee shop, a restaurant, or something else? Especially if you’re going to pay (a whole other discussion), women don’t want to pick something above your price range. If you don’t know the area, the best, and only, thing you should do would be to Google the area and give her three choices. Then, you can add, “But if you have something else in mind, let me know.”
5. The flake-out
This goes for everyone. Don’t cancel at the last minute, don’t stand someone up (awful!), and don’t otherwise be flaky in any way. I get it. People have done it to you. But, don’t perpetuate this noncommittal culture.
Stop doing these things and your odds of getting dates will increase. That’s math. Use it to your advantage.
Erika Ettin is the founder of A Little Nudge, where she helps others navigate the often intimidating world of online dating.