According to bar staff, these are the worst things you can do on a date

First dates are often a drama more than not. No matter how you turn it, meeting someone you don't know is just really awkward. And even if you're a seasoned dater, no one can escape the occasional bad date. To make it all a bit easier, seasoned bartenders, the people who get paid to sit front row at countless first dates, share what you definitely should NOT do on a first date.

Ordering for the other person

‘Ordering a drink for someone you don't know very well is a disaster waiting to happen. This is really one of the biggest red flags when it comes to dates that I occasionally experience. It comes off as super controlling and you start the date with a kind of power imbalance. Not cool. As a bartender, I always choose the side of the person who says they don't want a drink or would prefer to order something else. Believe me: commanding what the other person should drink has never gotten anyone a second date.’

Showing off money

‘Talking about how much money you have is not as attractive as you might think. This can happen subtly by ordering a very expensive drink and in a less subtle way by bragging about what you've spent on your exes. This happens more often than you think and it's one of the quickest ways to ruin your date.’

Having a go-to first date spot

‘You would think it's handy to have one location where you take all your Tinder matches, but this can really get you into trouble. Not only do you run the risk of bar staff or other regular customers not being able to keep secrets, but there's also a good chance you'll run into all your ex-dates there time and again. Speaking of awkward…’

Drinking too much

‘I hear you thinking: duh. But not everyone is equally aware of this rule. Nothing is as unattractive as not knowing your limits and (too much) alcohol inevitably leads to doing or saying things you'll regret immensely. Good luck trying to take that back.’

Flirting with other people

‘It doesn't matter how badly your date is going, don't flirt with other people while you're on a date, including the bar staff. You'll be surprised how often there is flirting during dates with us, which can become a bit awkward for all parties involved. Aside from the fact that this gives your date a very bad feeling, it also creates a very embarrassing scene that the staff is not looking forward to.’

Being awkward about the bill

‘There is nothing that can ruin the mood of the evening faster than being difficult about the bill. Agree in advance who will pay or make sure you take the bill. Whatever you do, make sure the bill doesn't sit endlessly between you or worse: has to be shuffled back and forth. That's really not a good look.’