Daters reveal the top 15 ‘icks’ that will scare a new partner off
The top ways to over-do the early stages of a relationship are suggesting baby names, talking about moving in together — and dropping the ‘I Love You’ bomb too early.
A poll of 2,000 adults who have dated, found 43 percent consider asking to meet the parents too quickly to be an ‘ick’.
While 39 percent believe posting photos with a new beau on social media before the relationship is ready is coming on far too strong.
It also emerged 56 percent of people in the early stages of dating would avoid making Valentine’s plans – so they don’t seem too keen.
And nearly three quarters (71 percent) of singles actively dating are avoiding going on dates around the 14th February — because it could feel awkward and cringey.
The research was commissioned by Krispy Kreme, which teamed up with local dating app happn to create ‘Doughnuts & Dates’ spots, offering free date packs to help you avoid coming off too strong at popular outdoor date locations, St James’ Park (London), Piccadilly Gardens (Manchester) and Moonlit Park (Birmingham).
A spokesperson for the doughnut brand said: “Valentine’s Day dates shouldn’t need to be stressful, especially in initial dates and new relationships.
“The app has tracked down the top spots across the UK for more authentic, relaxed dates where we can reward couples who are taking it slow.”
Other too-soon icks, according to the research, were chasing up texts if the other person doesn’t reply (41 percent) or leaving a toothbrush at theirs after the second date.
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, 54 percent of respondents believe it’s hard for daters to strike the perfect balance between too much and not enough.
And 43 percent are not planning to buy a gift for their new partner or date this year.
Half of those polled via OnePoll.com (49 percent) believe that Valentine’s Day gifts are ‘tacky’.
However, 29 percent admit they would feel disappointed if their lover didn’t plan anything for Valentine’s Day.
More than half (55 percent) think an engagement ring would be the single worst gift to receive, while 49 percent would be dismayed to unwrap some undies.
Happn’s dating expert added: “Whether you’re sharing a moment with someone new, are five dates in, or even starting a new relationship, we’ve located the top spots for a no-pressure Valentine’s Day.
“This way daters can focus on what really matters this Valentine’s — enjoying one another’s company in their local area, one doughnut & date at a time.”
TOP 15 WAYS TO OVERDO IT IN THE EARLY STAGES OF A RELATIONSHIP:
- Picking out baby names
- Talking about moving in together before you’ve seen their home
- Saying you love them very early on
- Telling people you’re officially a couple when you’re still at the ‘talking’ stage
- Calling the other person your ‘soulmate’
- Asking the other person to meet their parents
- Chasing up texts if the other person doesn’t reply soon enough
- Leaving a toothbrush at their place after the second date
- Referring to their pet as ‘ours’ to other people e.g. when walking the dog
- Filling their social media with pics of you both together
- Making really elaborate or over the top Valentine’s Day plans
- Showering them with gifts
- Putting a couple photo as your phone or laptop home screen
- Planning a holiday together
- Changing your relationship status on social media
