Sometimes a date could have been great if not for some irksome topic or a bad mannerism. Then, these little things pile up together until all at once, your date can’t take it any longer. There goes another shot at a possible great relationship.

So what are those simple yet fatal things? Here are some examples to just give you a general picture:

First up is talking about past relationships. Don’t talk about your past girlfriends to a woman on your first date or any other date for that matter. Talking about it doesn’t send the message that you’re enjoying the current dating scene. It’s okay to mention that you’ve just gone out from a previous relationship but don’t go on and tell her all the details about it. If you’re still talking about your exes when you’re in a date with another woman, then you’re probably still not over your ex yet.

Also make sure that you turn your cell phones off. Phones ringing during a date are mood killers and answering them while on a date is just plain rude. If you really must take the call, be sure to excuse yourself properly to your date and explain the urgency. Otherwise, if you’re not expecting something urgent, then you’re better off having it turned off.

Another thing to remember is to always look your best. Most of the times, first impressions ruin potentially incredible dates. So make sure your jeans and shirts are pressed, that you’ve showered and combed your hair. If you’re pleased with how you look in the mirror, then your date probably will be too. Besides it doesn’t hurt to dress up once in a while. You are, after all, making yourself look good not the other way around.

Smoking. Yes be very sensitive when it comes to smoking during dates. Just because you do, doesn’t mean everybody’s already comfortable with it. If your date smokers, then she probably won’t mind. Smokers will willingly date smokers but the same can’t be held true for non-smoking women. So if you’re still not sure which is which, then it’s best that you keep those cigars to yourself first.

Getting drunk is also a big no no. Drinking alcohol is okay when you’re out on the date but getting drunk isn’t. Always know your limit and stop drinking once you reach that. When you’re drunk, you say things that you’d rather not or things that shouldn’t be said at all. So to not ruin your date, just keep drinking to a minimum. Besides how would it look like if your date ends up supporting a overly-talkative drunk on his way home after the date ends? Not pretty huh?

You also don’t want to talk about past problems. Dates should be fun, so they shouldn’t be marred by anecdotes of personal turmoil when you were young. Don’t kill the mood with depressing stories that would surely make your date somber. Everyone has problems. And it’s too early to share every little thing with your date anyway. Those kinds of things should be reserved for when you’re already involved in a meaningful relationship.

Lastly, to ultimately save your date from being ruined, don’t forget to have fun! Don’t be so tense all the time. Dates are in no way like thesis defenses (that’s where you should be nervous all the time). So just enjoy yourself and your date’s company and I’m positively sure that she will too.