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14 Dating Mistakes to Avoid

Things not to do
Essence // Essence

You Wear Too Much Makeup

Woman putting on makeup Next Slide

Doing so implies to a man that you may lack self-confidence. Looking good isn't all about trying to achieve perfection. It isn't about caking your face with so much makeup that you look like someone else. No man wants to wake up in the morning to find your makeup all over the sheets. Think: More confidence, less makeup.

©Essence
1 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of Essence

You Check Your Phone Constantly

Previous Slide Woman on cell phone Next Slide

This is disrespectful to the man you're on a date with. When your man is around, try to keep your smart phone addiction hidden. It makes you seem obsessive-compulsive when you're always peeking down at your phone or you leave it out on the table. It's annoying, and it makes him feel less important. Just throw it in your bag and enjoy yourself.

2 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of Essence

You Talk Nonstop About Work

Previous Slide Woman on laptop in yellow shirt Next Slide

There are more interesting things in life to discuss than how much it sucks to fill out reports every day. If all you can talk about is your job, that means you lead a very boring life and you won't be much fun to hang around with.

3 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of Essence

You Don't Support Guy Time

Previous Slide Men watching TV together Next Slide

Doing this will instantly make you appear insecure and controlling. Whoa there, missy. You're messing with one of the sacred man rituals now. It's a necessity, not an option. Instead of ranting and raving about our guys' night, put that energy to positive use and go out with your girls.

4 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of Essence

You Drink a Lot of Champagne

Previous Slide Woman opening a bottle of champagne Next Slide

This could mean you're too materialistic; too focused on status. The last thing men want is to be involved in a relationship where money and status is more important than anything else. What if we can't make a buck? What if we don't have the biggest house in our neighborhood? Will you want the guy in the huge house with a pool down the street? Your choice of beverage is painting this picture of our future life together.

5 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of Essence

You're Clumsy or Awkward

Previous Slide Woman on headphones Next Slide

This says that our sexual compatibility is in question. When we're up, you're down. We try to connect because we're attracted to each other, but something just seems off. If we're not connecting on the dance floor, how are we going to connect in the bedroom? To increase flexibility and become more in touch with your body consider a dance or yoga class.

6 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of Essence

You Want Another Tattoo

Previous Slide Woman blowing a kiss Next Slide

This could tell him you're not done living your youth. Like it or not, your tattoo says more than you intended. He'll wonder if it was just a one-time things or if your wild side could return just as he's starting to like you?

7 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of Essence

You're All About You (and Your Pet!)

Previous Slide Woman taking a photo with dog Next Slide

If you're guilty of this, it may tell a guy who wants to get serious that your timetable for having kids is at odds with his. This may seem innocent, but it can be overkill. How are we supposed to compete with that playful, furry, and loyal friend who probably came before us? We're not sure we're ready to take on the responsibility for this pet, especially because we know what's on your mind next -- a baby.

8 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of Essence

You Don't Eat Leftovers

Previous Slide Pasta in pan Next Slide

This means you could be financially irresponsible. The truth is, your staunch refusal to eat leftovers goes far beyond being a little weird. Let's put it this way... you're throwing out food. So if you're throwing out a necessary component for survival -- where else are you choosing an "ideal" over a "this will do"?

9 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of Essence

Your Party Photos Are All Over the Web

Previous Slide Woman partying Next Slide

If he sees your photos all over nightclub and party sites, he'll think you're a party girl and will be unable to settle down. It's cool that you go to clubs. But there's a difference between just going to clubs and being a club regular. It's a recipe for disaster if you're trying to hold down a relationship.

10 of 17 Photo: Courtesy of Essence
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RSAND
Feb 2, 2012 3:24PM
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I'm pretty much on board with all of these. But the biggest one in my book is the Woman who Complains. There isn't anything more buzz-killing in my book than a woman who rides the negative and complains.  And it could be in virtually any situation and not necessarily have anything to do with me!
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Feb 22, 2012 11:38PM
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I think the "Wanting another tattoo" is a rather silly point.  I think we've progressed to times when a "tattoo" isn't a scarlet letter for the wild child who can't settle down.  As for the "perception" point, well isn't the whole point of dating to get to know the real person so you don't have to rely on perceptions to make a judgment?
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