12 minutes to make the first date grade

'When you're hungry, you're thinking about food,' communications specialist Alisha Golden says.

'When you're hungry, you're thinking about food,' communications specialist Alisha Golden says.

Published May 15, 2014

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London - Looking to impress on a first date? The countdown is on and you’ve only got 12 minutes, a new study reveals.

New research shows it takes just a few minutes for us to decide whether we are keen on someone new.

Singletons will be immediately judged on their smile (64 percent), whether they make eye contact (58 percent) and their tone of voice (25 percent).

Body odour was found to be the most off-putting characteristic for six in 10 hopeful singles (59 percent), followed by bad breath (53 percent).

Meanwhile, four in 10 of us (38 percent) get turned off if their date starts swearing – and it appears we start judging people even before we meet face to face.

One in 20 singles (6 percent) research their date online by viewing their social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.

A quarter (25 percent) of people will also make drastic changes to their appearance so they impress a potential partner on a big date, with a new haircut, new perfume or a manicure being cited as the most popular options for women.

Meanwhile one in 20 men (5 percent) will grow designer stubble to impress on the day.

One in 16 women (6 percent) and one in 20 men (5 percent) go on a diet in the lead up to a first date.

And it appears almost twice as many men are more forgiving and will offer their date a second chance after a bad first encounter.

Psychologist Donna Dawson said: “It is the little things you can do that will mean a lot and will put you ahead in the dating game.

“For example, good hygiene and fresh breath reveal self-respect and consideration for others.

“Wearing clothes which make you feel both smart and comfortable will help you to relax, which in turn provides the confidence to create a great first impression.

“Eye contact conveys sincerity and trustworthiness, and shows you are interested in the other person.

“Human beings are programmed to return a smile so smiling, even when you are nervous, will get you and your first date off to a good start.”

A spokesperson from AXA, who commissioned the research, added: “That initial step in a relationship can be a nervous experience, but an important one. You need to think about the little things that will mean a lot on that first date; it appears first impressions are formed very quickly.” – Daily Mail

 

DATE DON’TS

1. Body odour (59 percent)

2. Bad breath (53 percent)

3. Swearing (38 percent)

4. Scruffy clothes (36 percent)

5. Not smiling (33 percent)

 

DATE DOS

1. Smile (64 percent)

2. Make eye contact (58 percent)

3. Have fresh-smelling breath (45 percent)

4. Have a good tone of voice (25 percent)

5. Wear smart clothes (23 percent)

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