Anika Markle 
We asked our readers to spill the tea on their biggest first-date deal-breakers, and the results were unanimous. While there’s plenty of room for awkward moments and quirky charm, there are three little words that can instantly ruin the vibe.
Alright, picture this: You’re all dolled up, sitting across from someone who might just be the peanut butter to your jelly, and you’re thinking, “This is going great!” Then, out of nowhere, you drop one of the three dreaded phrases that should never, under any circumstances, escape your lips on a first date. What are these mysterious words, you ask? Buckle up, because you’re about to find out.
- “My Ex Said…”
Whoa there, partner! Mentioning your ex on a first date is like bringing an uninvited guest to a party. It doesn’t matter if you’re saying something nice, something awful, or simply quoting their favorite recipe for guacamole. Dropping the “E” word can turn your potentially romantic dinner into a counseling session faster than you can say “check, please.” Your date’s thinking about sparks flying, not why you and your ex couldn’t agree on whether “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie. Let’s keep the focus on you and your date, shall we?
- “I Love You.”
Hold your horses, Romeo! While declaring your love might seem like the ultimate romantic gesture straight out of a movie, doing it on the first date is about as advisable as eating soup with a fork. It’s premature, messy, and you’re probably not going to accomplish what you’re hoping for. Love at first sight might work in fairy tales, but in the real world, it’s a one-way ticket to Awkwardville. Play it cool, Casanova. Love is a marathon, not a sprint.
- “Let’s Have Kids.”
Pump the brakes! Even if you’re hearing the loud ticking of your biological clock or you’ve always dreamed of having enough kids to start your own soccer team, the first date is not the time to discuss reproducing. This phrase can send your date running for the hills faster than you can say “diaper duty.” There’s a time and place for the kid talk, and it’s definitely not between “What do you do for work?” and “Do you want to split the dessert?”
So, what’s the moral of the story? First dates are about making connections, sharing laughs, and discovering if you enjoy each other’s company—not about digging into past relationships, making lifelong commitments, or planning your future family. Keep it light, keep it fun, and who knows? Maybe you’ll find that you both love “Die Hard” as much as you enjoy each other’s company. And that, my friends, is the beginning of something beautiful.
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