Ok, I think we can all agree we’ve been on many a date where things seemed like they were off to a good start. Once you finally meet in person you can feel the chemistry and he looks just like he did in his photos online. So far so good. You get settled at a table or at the bar and start talking. Within a minute you start to feel disappointed. Your gay Romeo has turned out to be a dud when it comes to conversation. Here are some handy tips to avoid being the one making any faux pas.

First off, here are a couple of words you should try and avoid. Both ‘ok’ and ‘hate’ show your interest to varying degrees and both can be taken quite negatively. ‘Hate’ is obviously a very strong word and can turn people off, especially if you are saying that about something they have even a mild appreciation for. Yes, a lot of times people say it without really meaning it, so vary the degree and try to stay positive at any rate. No one wants to go out with Debbie Downer. Saying ‘ok’ should be fine but if you are being asked a direct question and can’t come up with anything more exciting than an ambivalent word like ‘ok’ you really aren’t giving your date much to go on and making them work hard to come up with follow-up questions to try and get you to show some more interest.

This should be obvious but, again, how many times has this happened on a first date!? Don’t even think of mentioning the word ‘ex’. It instantly gives the impression that you are still hung up on an ex in order to be mentioning him on a first date. Of course there are various contexts in which you could be bringing up an ex but it’s best to just avoid the word (and subject!) at all costs. In a 180 from things to avoid saying, I have a couple of tips for things that are good bets to include in conversations. Using ‘honestly’ is a good method to show that you are being honest even though you have just met and makes it seem like you are instantly taking him into your confidence which will make it seem more like a third date, instead of a first. Also including the word ‘sexy’ never hurts, for obvious reasons. The connotations alone will do wonders!

What do you think of these tips, men of ManPlay? When it comes to your gay dating life, do you have any horror stories of first date conversations that started things off on the wrong foot? Any tips to share? Be sure and write and let me know and then go and discuss with other members in the message boards!

John xo

Categories: Gay Dating Gay Romeo John