14 Awkward Moments in Dating and How To Deal With Them

There’s one thing that all the heads of state agree on: dating is hard. People meet at a bar, online, or go speed dating all the time. There are hundreds of dates happening around the globe as you read this right now. Let’s be honest; more than half of them are going to be horrible dates. There are so many things that can go wrong on a date. Awkward moments in dating include getting into a heated argument about politics, spilling red wine on your date’s white dress, or saying something inappropriate. It’s even possible that you call your date by the wrong name, which is the worst. 

Everyone’s had a bad date in their lives and found themselves in an awkward situation. It happens to the best of us. Learning from the experience is essential to avoid ending up in that position again. Don’t let a couple of bad dating experiences prevent you from meeting someone in the future.

To help out, we dive deep into the dating world to uncover the best techniques to deal with those awkward first date moments.

14 Awkward Moments in Dating and How To Deal With Them

1. Awkward Conversations

Anna Zhuk/Shutterstock

There’s a natural awkwardness when two people go on their first date. Even if there’s been some small talk beforehand, awkward conversations can spell the end of the date pretty quickly. Some people make the mistake of getting too personal too fast. It’s imperative to avoid awkward questions like “when was the last time you had sex?” or “what’s your body count?”

Have some conversation starters ready to steer the talk in a fun direction with lighter topics such as favorite movies, books, music, food, hobbies, and sports. Avoid topics like politics, religion, and sex. Focus on getting to know each other first before diving into the deep end. 

2. Going on a Negative Rant

TimeImage Production/Shutterstock

Concerning awkward conversations, avoid going on a negative rant about a topic, like hating on the Kardashian-Jenner family. There’s a good chance your date might feel the opposite and it’s tough to bounce back from an embarrassing situation like that. The best course of action is to stay away from rants and keep the conversation positive. Make it more about what you like than what you dislike. 

3. Who Pays the Bill?

Rommel Canlas/Shutterstock

Establish early on that you’re paying for the bill after the meal. Avoid an embarrassing moment when the bill arrives at the end of the dinner and neither of you is sure who is paying for what.  A good date will always offer to pay unless your date insists on splitting the cost.

Furthermore, use specific language so the server and date both know you plan on paying, such as “I’ll take the check after dessert” or “please take my guest’s order first.” Establishing this before the check arrives is wise to avoid an awkward dating moment.

4. Calling Your Date By Your Ex’s Name

Iryna Inshyna/Shutterstock

It’s the early stages of a new romantic relationship, so you go out for dinner and then to the movies. At one point you accidentally call your date by your ex-boyfriend or girlfriend’s name. There will undoubtedly be a long awkward pause. It’s safe to say that won’t be the worst part.

Your date will either walk out or dropkick you back home. There’s only one way to solve this problem – apologize a million times, cook dinner, apologize some more, buy lots of presents, and promise never to make that mistake again. Hopefully, your date has a good sense of humor and you can get over this incident. It could also be a red flag that you are still not over your ex, so just make sure you are in the right head space. 

5. Limit Alcohol

Lucky Business/Shutterstock

To ensure you don’t make the previous mistake, monitor the amount of alcohol you consume. For some people, alcohol helps with those date night nerves. There’s nothing wrong with having a glass or two of wine but don’t go overboard. 

A date can go downhill fast if you have five shots of tequila and a pitcher of beer within an hour of meeting. Then again, that could lead to even more fun. It’s best to limit the drinking to a few drinks and put your focus on the date. Slurring your words, falling over, getting abusive, or puking will guarantee there’s no second date. 

6. Running Into a Friend

wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when on a date. Perhaps you run into a friend, co-worker, or family member. With all the nervous energy pumping through your body, it’s easy to be thrown off your game.

The best way to deal with this scenario is to do a quick introduction. Promise to talk soon and return your attention to the date. Of course, if the relationship goes well, eventually you’ll want to introduce them to your family and friends, but that’s not necessary on a first date. 

7. Embarrassing Mishaps

Motortion Films/Shutterstock

It’s vital to remember that you’re not perfect. Try not to put so much pressure on yourself. While on a date you could accidentally spit on the other person, drop food on yourself, or burp so loud it echoes. It’s clear you didn’t forget your manners on purpose. The easiest solution is acknowledging the embarrassing moment, apologizing, and moving on to the next topic. 

8. Running Into Your Ex

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock

Running into a friend or co-worker will feel like a piece of cake compared to running into your ex. This is a defining moment in the relationship and can make or break the night. There’s a chance your date will watch you closely and grill you on your ex and responses.

Stay calm, and don’t buckle under the pressure. Be friendly and sweet as you introduce your date. It’ll be wise to wish your ex a good evening and get the hell out of there as quickly as possible.  

9. Your Date Has Something in Their Teeth

Dejan Dundjerski/Shutterstock

Everyone knows how embarrassing it feels to have a piece of food stuck in your teeth. It’s even worse on a date. Pointing out that piece of lettuce or spinach stuck between their teeth will be a wise move. It might create a brief awkward moment, but there’s a way around that. Since you don’t want to embarrass them either, point out that you love the food, but it keeps getting stuck in your teeth.

That’s your window to let them know. To soften the blow, complement their teeth as well. It’s a friendly and kind way to point it out. If you choose not to say anything, they’ll feel embarrassed when they notice it later and mad that you didn’t say anything.  

10. Laugh It Off

Mike_O/Shutterstock

Not all dates will go smoothly and you will encounter plenty of awkward incidents. There’s always a chance you walk into a glass door, fall on your butt, or spill red wine on your white shirt. It’s not the end of the world. Embarrassing moments happen all the time.

The important part is how you handle these tense situations. The best tactic is to laugh at yourself and these awkward and funny moments. It’ll take the pressure off and show you your date you have a sense of humor. 

11. A Disappointing Date 

New Africa/Shutterstock

There’s always a chance the date will be disappointing. You might not hit it off on a blind date or a first date after meeting on an app. Sometimes there just isn’t a connection, but that doesn’t mean you need to act miserable.

It’s only a few hours you are on the date. Have some fun and relax for a bit. There’s nothing wrong with going home alone at the end of the night. There isn’t always an instant connection with each date and you might find you make better friends than lovers. 

12. The Goodbye

carballo/Shutterstock

Knowing how to say goodbye at the end of the night is stressful for some people. There’s a lot of pressure to go in for a kiss if you think it’s gone well, but nobody wants to get rejected. On the other hand, if you aren’t feeling things, do you go for a hug or handshake?

Try to look for clues and hints throughout the night. It’s safe to say in most cases you can tell if your date wants to kiss or just give a polite hug. The best move here is to let the other person make the first move unless they are thinking the same thing, then you could be in all sorts of trouble. 

13. Bad Breath, Body Odor, and Going in for a Kiss

VictoriaSky/Shutterstock

For a first date or a fifth date, make sure to smell your best and freshest. In other words, don’t go on a date straight from the gym. You want to smell your best if you plan on going in for a kiss. It’s common for most people to go in for a kiss at the end of the night so you need to be prepared and plan for the moment.

It’s essential to have a breath mint handy to freshen up your breath. Fresh breath equals a good kiss. The last thing you want to do is go in for a kiss after eating a bunch of garlic bread and have your date recoil in disgust. 

14. Getting Turned Down for a Kiss

Emotions studio/Shutterstock

There’s nothing worse than going in for a kiss and getting a hug or, worse, a handshake. That’s part of the risk of dating. You spent the entire night trying to read the signals but get it all wrong. It’s vital to respond with grace and humility.

There’s no point in getting mad or offended. Getting rejected sucks but there’s no need to be cruel about it. Laugh it off and move on with your life. There are plenty more fish in the sea.