Why you have just 12 minutes to impress on your first date

YOU may have spent considerable time getting ready – but you only have 12 minutes to impress on a first date.

Research shows potential partners are i mmediately judged on their smile (64 per cent), whether they make eye contact (58 per cent) and tone of voice (25 per cent).

Body odour was found to be the most off-putting characteristic (59 per cent), followed by bad breath (53 per cent).

Four in ten (38 per cent) were turned off if their date started swearing.

And many start judging their dates even before meeting, with one in 20 (6 per cent) using Facebook and Twitter.

Meanwhile, a quarter (25 per cent) of singletons will also make changes to their appearance to try to impress. A new haircut, new perfume or a manicure were the most popular options for women.

One in 20 men (5 per cent) will grow designer stubble, while one in sixteen women (6 per cent) and one in 20 men (5 per cent) go on a diet.

Psychologist Donna Dawson said: ‘It is the little things you can do that will mean a lot and will put you ahead in the dating game. For example, good hygiene and fresh breath reveal self-respect and consideration for others.’

Insurance firm AXA questioned 2,000 about their first date experiences.

Spokesman Chris Jones said: ‘You need to think about the little things that will mean a lot on that first date. It appears first impressions are formed very quickly!’