12 deadly sins of the first date

And, if you are going to cancel, do not give us the reason of being hungover.

We're not saying go on the date even if you are hungover, but rather, dude, don't drink so much if you have a date the next day. 

Sometimes a girl will let you pay the cheque because that's apparently the "norm." Other times girls will offer to pay the cheque because we'll do what we damn please.

Don't feel emasculated, you're a big boy, your ego shouldn't be too bruised by this small act.

If you want to pay the cheque, just have a little light debate and insist slightly, but if she doesn't back down, just let it go. 

It's a common misconception, and part of "locker room talk" that men should play it "suave" on a date. Kindly disregard the "macho" friend who told you to do so.

Put effort into the date. Show that you're interested, even in something small your counterpart does.

Of course don't be overeager, but don't shrug your shoulders over something the date says. 

When we go on a date, most of us will put in an effort to look good.

We're not asking for much, a simple "you look nice" will do - even though it's the bare minimum - just to show us that you appreciate the time we took to make ourselves appear presentable.

Oh, and one more thing? Please look us in the eye when we're talking, don't stare at our lips or our chest. Kthxbye.

We know that Lebanon is very small and it's almost impossible to find a place where you won't bump into someone you know, because #1degreeofseperation.

But, seriously? Don't ask them to join! Especially if the person you're with doesn't know them.

It's kinda rude, makes it uncomfortable, and any semblance of a romantic mood will probably be lost.

Yes, we are slaves to our machines and all that, but for one night, for a couple of hours, let's enjoy an old-timey conversation.

Since almost everyone is guilty of this, let's both put our phones in the middle of the table, face down, and actually look at each other. 

So by a certain age, we assume everyone has had exes, but we don't wanna hear about them. 

We don't want to be compared to the people you've dated, even in a good way. Your backhanded comment of "my ex was crazy, I'm so happy you're not like that," doesn't reassure us at all.

We also, very much, don't want to hear the phrase that you guys think is a compliment: "You're not like other girls."

"Other girls" are fierce, determined and pretty badass, so yes, yes I am. 

Simply, we're not interested in your sexist jokes. 

Even if we laugh, we're not.

The feminist in us will start to rumble. And you don't want us to start up a feminist rant, do you?

I don't know why this is even on the list, but it's happened way too much that I guess I have to mention it.

Sure smoking up is great, but on a date? When you're trying to find out who the other person is?

Man, c'mon.

As much as we love learning about you, and the droning unending sound of your voice, how about some new conversation topics? 

The great thing about two people talking in this "internet" age is sharing ideas. Try out some current events for a change. 

Now, even if you're very open about yourself, some people try to keep things to themselves.

Don't force a girl to open up, emotionally or physically or ANY other way. 

This is just a matter of respecting someone's boundaries, which we all deserve. We'll open up when we're ready. 

Trust us, no one knows that you have more rights than us, well, more than women. 

On this date, we just want to be treated as equals, so please, leave your privilege at the door or we'll just check out.

This includes telling us what you would prefer we do.