5 First Date Don'ts for the Christian Single Man and Woman

Single? Christian? Wanna know what you shouldn't do on a date? Oh, if only it were so simple! Yes, there's a laundry list of poor decisions you could make on a first date. As a Christian single, hopefully you'll avoid some of the more serious pitfalls on your own accord; however, these 5 first date don'ts will help save you from the realm of regret, and hopefully help to score you a second date.

Don't Missionary Date

Here's the deal. If you want to date someone who doesn't believe in the same things you do, you may have chosen an uphill battle. That being said, it's not always a bad thing, and by no means is it an absolute! Just keep in mind: This is a FIRST DATE. You're not walking down the aisle with your date. So keep an open mind.

Don't Pour on the Perfume/Cologne

Smell nice. Don't smell like you dove into a vat of perfume/cologne instead of taking a shower. You've been there before, haven't you? There's nothing wrong with putting on a little scent, but as a Christian single, show a little mercy to your first date. If your date's eyes are watering in the first five minutes, it's never a good sign. If you're not sure how much is too much, do yourself a favor and simply opt for deodorant.

Don't Forget Your Table Manners

Trying too hard, party of two, your table is now ready. For starters, eating in front of someone you've recently met, or want to impress, is an exercise in futility. "OK. So I was thinking that I would talk while you chew, and then you could talk while I chew, and then we can both chew for awhile and just stare awkwardly at one another, and what's up with that weird thing your eye does when you sip your water-Check please!". So if a meal is what you want to set as a first date, balance conversation and consumption equally.

Don't Bring Your Baggage

Baggage. Everyone's got it. And if you're on a first date with another Christian single, that's great, because both parties will be well aware of the sinful and often stupid nature of humans. Yet, no matter how comfortable you are with him/her in the first 30 minutes-no matter how bad you want to tell them you just got out of a 5 year relationship in which your fiance decided they were in love with you sister, and could never be happy with you, or that your mom called you "Awkward Andy" until you were 26. . . Leave. Your baggage. At home.

Don't Talk or Text on Your Cell Phone

It's rude. Nope. Ah. Huh-uh. Stop trying to justify it. If you're on a first date with someone, be on the date with that some-ONE. No business. No Facebook. No receiving texts that make you giggle, and thus alienate your date! Unless you're expecting an emergency related phone call, leave the technology addiction in the car, or better yet, at home. And no, your roommate calling to tell you to pick up milk on the way home is not an emergency.