I could never love a man who loved “Love Story.” Not because I would question his sexuality (I would), but because “Love Story” is an absolutely terrible movie.
So that would be my early deal breaker. And they’re an interesting barrel of monkeys, deal breakers are, because we all have them whether it’s the ones you look out for in the first few dates or the ones you learn about later that break the camel’s back.
The things that make us say “no thanks” come in all colors, shapes and sizes. They range from the aesthetic (too short), to the opinion-related (not liking The Beatles), to the sexual (foot fetish), to the truly significant (not wanting kids). And, of course, any form of abuse is an immediate deal breaker — that should go without saying.
In an informal survey, here are some things people said would immediately kill it for them: a sincere appreciation of “Jersey Shore,” doling out ultimatums, lack of eye contact, not liking pets and smoking/drug use.
“I once went on a date with a guy who spent half an hour trying to sell me on the virtues of shrooms,” one woman said. “Yeah … no.”
Then there’s extended cell-phone use on a date, lying, being a fan of Ben Affleck, being an awkward conversationalist, alcoholism, teetotalism and being rude to service people.
“If she’s mean to the waitress, I’m leaving early and only paying my half of the bill,” said one man.
“It’s a sign that he/she looks down at people and is probably not a quality person to begin with,” said another.
Others mentioned liking George W. Bush, improper use of language, being a bad kisser, racism, trying to introduce certain accouterments in the bedroom and having poor hygiene (including dental).
“If he shows up on a first date with big gaps or his teeth are all jacked up, then no,” declared another lady.
Not to mention acting ditzy, lying, being a one-trick pony in bed, being disrespectful to one’s mother, veganism and proselytism.
“Having religious beliefs is fine,” a friend told me, “but trying to convert me is a serious no-no.”
And we’ll close out with cheating, being unwilling to compromise, being dishonest about having a child, buying beer with the rent money, being indiscreet with one’s bodily emissions and having thoughtless taste in gifts.
“My ex-husband bought me an iron for my 30th birthday,” a female friend shared. “It was all downhill from there.”