Dating 101: What NOT to Do on Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is all about love, romance and maybe even a little bit of first-date magic. But while a great first date can set the stage for something special, a bad one can end any relationship before it has even started. To help singles avoid an awkward evening, YouGov asked more than 2,000 Americans about the biggest red flags on a first date – because nothing kills the vibe faster than cringeworthy behavior. If you're heading out with someone new, take note of these common dating faux pas to make sure your night ends with a second-date invitation instead of an "It was nice meeting you" text.

The biggest first-date blunder? Being rude to the waitstaff. If you think your date isn’t paying attention to how you treat the server, think again! Nothing screams “bad attitude” like snapping at the bartender or rolling your eyes over a small mistake. Right behind that? Constantly looking at your phone. Checking the score of a game or scrolling through social media instead of being truly present is an instant turnoff. And speaking of bad conversation habits, a one-sided monologue about your job, your hobbies and your childhood pet (without asking a single question in return) is a surefire way to make your date feel like an audience member instead of an equal partner in the conversation.

And while deep conversations can be great, there are a couple of topics best left for later. Jumping into a passionate debate about politics or getting overly personal about your past relationships and bedroom preferences? Maybe not the best move. The key to a great first date is keeping things fun, light and engaging for both people. So if you're hoping for sparks to fly this Valentine’s Day, put your phone down, be kind to the staff, and remember – conversation is a two-way street!