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What’s worse than a first date marked by paralyzing uncertainty and worry? Here’s what’s worse: A first date marked by paralyzing uncertainty and a sudden fart.

Well, even if your first dates tend to be full of fun and lacking embarrassing bodily functions, you can’t help but think about potentially awkward scenarios, right? And if you don’t think about those things, well, we’re making you think about it now. Take our Would You Rather poll to see what situations you’d rather face on a first date.

What’s one of your most embarrassing first date stories? Do you have any rules you live by when it comes to first dates? Tell us in the comments!

How To Have A Perfect First Date: 8 Tips To Help You Stop Worrying
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I met two guys recently and both of them asked me out. So I had two dates lined up for last week. And then I went to the park this past weekend and met a guy who asked me out the next day. That’s right, I had three dates in one week. I never say this, but SWAG.

Now I’m trying to figure out what to do. Do I go on second dates with all of them? Do I try to narrow it down? Do I cut them all loose and keep going on first dates?

Being single is getting exhausting! Anyway, I did learn a lot of things on these dates both about myself and guys in general. Here’s what I learned.

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I'm Awkward

I feel like I'm a pretty put together person, but I can also be extremely awkward and weird especially in high stress situations. Like first dates. My fear of fish is not as charming as one would expect.

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You Know If You're Better As Friends

It's pretty easy to tell on a date if this is someone you're just going to be friends with or not. I'm not saying you should friend-zone a guy immediately, but you get a feeling.

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I Talk A LOT

I didn't realize how much I talked. I can talk a brick wall down, I think. I mean, I don't think I'm boring, but I could stand to not say everything that goes through my brain.

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One Date Does NOT Mean We're Dating

I don't know if I'm going on second dates yet. I haven't decided. And that's okay. One date does not mean you are dating or that you can't be dating other people.

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Guys Reveal A Lot Of Info

I like getting to know people, I really do. BUT I don't want to know everything about someone on the first date. If you tell a date everything about yourself right away, you're not going to have anything to talk about on another date.

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Narcissistic Guys Kind Of Win

A recent study showed that guys who are really into themselves and who are very forward often get the girl. I can attest to that. The guy I met in the park was totally in love with himself and way more forward than anyone I've met. And I went out with him and had a great time.

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What have you learned from first date experiences? Have you ever had a terrible first date? Tell us in the comments!
 

You can learn some serious dating advice from Mulan

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A new study shows eight of the top pre-first date fears – what people are most worried about before going on a first date. Since I’m sure we’ve all worried about at least one or two of these things before a date, I’ve put together ways you can get rid of these fears. Take a look at 8 of the most common first date fears and 8 tips on how to get rid of them and have a great first date:

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If You're Worried About Bad Breath...

One of the top dating worries ever? Having bad breath. No one wants their mouth to smell stinky, especially if you'd like to give your date a little goodnight kiss. Embarrassing! Plus, bad breath is also one of the top dating turnoffs. To prevent bad breath from happening to you, brush your teeth and use mouth wash before you go on your date. Make sure you bring along a packet of mints (chewing gum on a date might be sort of rude and obnoxious) and keep them close. If you guys go out to dinner or get food, subtly pop a breath mint or two when you're done eating. Worried about his bad breath? Offer him one as a friendly gesture. Everybody loves mints!

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If You're Worried About Your Outfit...

Stressing over what you're going to wear? First of all, relax - your date isn't going to judge you on your outfit as much as you'll judge yourself, you know? Second of all, take the time to plan. Don't wait until an hour before your date to hopefully find something cute - the pressure is going to make everything that much worse. If you have advance notice before your date, head to the mall and buy something you like. BUT keep in mind that your date outfit should be comfortable for you - don't wear something that's too tight or too painful (like really high heels). Part of looking good in an outfit is owning it and you can't own it if you feel like ripping your clothes off and putting on sweats. Also go with your own style - let your personality shine through what you're wearing.

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If You're Worried About Ugly Nails...

This seems really odd to me, but apparently "ungroomed nails" are a top dating turnoff. Who knew your date was paying so much attention to your nails? If you want yours to look perfect, spurge on a manicure the day of the date. Going a few days before means your nails will most likely chip. If you have a habit of biting your nails - stop! And don't stress over getting some super expensive, Pinterest-looking nail art. As long as your nails look relatively clean and trim, you should be fine. Plus, if someone is going to judge you entirely on your nails, do you really want to date them?

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If You're Worried About Body Odor...

Not surprisingly, body odor is a top dating turnoff also. Stressed over possibly being smelly? Take the proper precautions, girl! First, check out these 10 amazing products that will help keep you from being sweaty. Before your date, make sure you're wearing a strong deodorant that works for your bod. Put on perfume, but don't spray half the bottle on yourself - that may be worse than smelling like sweat.

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If You're Worried About Having A Bad Hair Day...

The thing that sucks about bad hair days is that they can happen anytime because your hair doesn't care about what you have planned. To prevent this from happening on a first date, I would say don't try any crazy new hairstyles or techniques you've never done before. Go with a style you're comfortable with and you know looks good on you, no matter how "boring" it may seem to you. Also, figure out what you're most worried about - does your hair get frizzy when it rains and there's a thunder storm happening? Use extra frizz protection. Maybe you tried to style it and it came out terribly and your date will be ready in 10 minutes. Put it in a cute braid or sock bun. Voila! Adorable.

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If You're Worried About Looking Fat...

Don't. First of all, I'm sure you don't look fat. Second of all, if your date thought you were fat and ugly, do you think they would have asked you out or agreed to go out with you in the first place? Um, probably not. Third of all, confidence is the most important thing to bring with you on a first date. Look in the mirror and tell yourself you look gorgeous. Because guess what? You probably do.

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If You're Worried About Your Makeup...

Figuring out what to do with our makeup might make you freak out a little bit. Keep in mind that one of the top dating turnoffs is too much makeup, so for your first date, focus on keeping things simple and a little more natural. You don't need to be a beauty pro to do a super pretty natural look - use a neutral eye shadow, a swipe of mascara and eyeliner and cover up with foundation, bronzer and a little blush. If you hate wearing makeup, don't feel like you have to wear it for a date. And if you want to go all out? Hey, go for it! Who says you have to follow all the rules?

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If You're Worried About Food Getting Stuck In Your Teeth...

If you're going out to dinner with a date, you're inevitably going to wonder, at some point, if there is a piece of pesky food hanging out in your gums. Ick. To prevent it from happening, run your tongue over your teeth after you take a bite of your food to try to feel things out. Go to the bathroom after eating to make sure you're all good. If you're going to the movies, you might want to avoid popcorn - that has a tendency to get stuck in your teeth. But all in all, there's not a ton you can do to stop this from happening. If you do end up getting food stuck there, laugh it off. It happens to all of us and isn't the end of the world. And if you can make a joke about it, I guarantee your date will be seriously impressed with your ability to not take yourself so seriously.

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What are you most worried about before a first date? Have you ever had any first date disasters? Tell us in the comments!

What a bad first date is REALLY like, in GIFs

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So to explain what first dates are really like (at least in my experience), I’ve put together this list of Tina Fey GIFs. Because one, it’s her birthday tomorrow and I love her and two, I just feel like Tina gets it. Check out what it’s like to be on a very bad first date – I think a lot of you will be able to relate.

A cute guy asks you out. YES.

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You two make plans and you’re super excited for your first date.

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Until you start wondering what you two are going to talk about… and do. 

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You start totally stressing.

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You hope the date doesn’t end up with you saying something like this.

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When you get there, you try to be totally suave and cool, like: 

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But… things are awkward. 

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Oh, well. At least there’s food, right?

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Until your date says something like this… 

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He asks you about yourself and for some reason you blank and end up saying something totally lame and weird. 

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Then your date says something kind of offensive. 

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But it’s fine. You’ll give him another chance. Maybe he’s just nervous.

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You end up saying something completely embarrassing.

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You guys have a really awkward kiss. 

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By the end of the date, it’s like… 

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All you really want to do is be like, 

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But instead, you call your BFF and you’re like…

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And you can’t help but  think: 

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Should you call him or forget him? You know how to make the right decision.

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By the end of the night, this is pretty much how you feel.

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Do you think this is a pretty accurate example of a bad first date? Which of these GIFs was your favorite? Who do you want to see more GIFs of? Tell me in the comments!

20 reasons why double dating is awful

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Apparently, dudes feel the same way. In a recent survey, guys said that the thing that makes them the most nervous about first dates are first date conversations. I guess it’s kind of comforting to know that we’re all in the same boat, but honestly, it doesn’t make me feel too much better. So to help out those of you who feel the same way I do, here are 10 do’s and don’ts of first date conversations: what to talk about and what you should definitely avoid.

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Do Talk About: Pets

Pets are an easy and, usually, fun topic to bring up on a date. People either love or hate animals, so either the dude will be thrilled to talk about his dog BFF from home or he'll love the chance to rant about how he's not into pets. Either way, this is usually pretty safe.

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Don't Talk About: Family Stuff

Something you may not want to bring up on a first date when you guys are just getting to know each other? Family stuff. Families can be complicated and who knows what goes on behind closed doors at his house, you know? You don't know if he doesn't get along with his family, if one of them recently passed away or anything like that. The point is, this can easily turn into a pretty heavy topic and first date convos usually shouldn't be like that.

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Do Talk About: Sports

Feel free to bring up sports - but only if you're into them. Don't pretend to love football if really you don't know anything about it. That won't impress him. See what he's into or not into... and it's okay if you guys get into a friendly debate about it. Guys dig confidence and that means they like girls who aren't afraid to express their opinions.

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Don't Talk About: Politics

Ugh. Politics. I'm all for a smart, news-centered political discussion, but a first date isn't really the place for that. Any talk about politics can get ugly fast so I wouldn't even touch it until you get to know the guy better.

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Do Talk About: Food

Food! Everyone loves food! This may sound kind of boring, but to make it a little more interesting, you can talk about your favorite restaurant or place to get ice cream. That also gives you the perfect opening to be a little flirty and say something like, "Maybe we can go there sometime." Wink-wink.

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Don't Talk About: Mean Gossip

I love a good gossip sesh as much as anyone else, but looking catty and superficial isn't great on a first date when you're trying to make a good impression. Guys can easily get turned off by a girl who only has mean things to say about other people. So play nice!

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Do Talk About: School

Boring? Sure. Safe? Definitely. But if you guys go to the same school and have some of the same classes, talking about that stuff will probably feel the most comfortable and easy. It's a good conversation starter to get both of you feeling a little bit more willing to talk.

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Don't Talk About: Religion

Just like politics, religion is another topic that spark a lot of angry discussion. I know that it's part of getting to know someone, but I would consider holding off on the religious debates.

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Do Talk About: Movies, TV Shows Or Music

Are you a movie buff? Talk about your favorites that are out now. Do you know you two both watch the same TV show? Discuss how awesome/terrible the last episode was. And same goes with music - if you both have similar taste, talk about it. These are pretty easy and fun topics, especially if you're passionate about them.

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Don't Talk About: Your Ex

I feel like I say this every other day, but seriously, don't talk about your ex in front of a new guy. It is only going to make it seem like you haven't moved on - or that you're just really bitter and angry. Not cute.

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Do you agree with these tips? What is your go-to topic for first date conversations? What did I miss? Tell me in the comments!

10 things you should never say to your crush

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Since I spent the majority of my morning reading through these crazy tweets inspired by this hashtag, I knew I had to share with you guys. So, looking for first date etiquette? Wondering what you absolutely should not do the first time you hang out with a guy? Some of these may help, others just might make you laugh. Either way, you win.

Awww, poor Hufflepuffs. 

Yeah, I mean I can see how this might be awkward… 

Ummmmmm….. 

I mean, I’m not going to kill you over it, but don’t do this anyway. 

This sort of eliminates a lot…

This is a good one, girls. For realz. 

But… what if it’s a cute animal sound that is also endearing?

Oof, bad idea. 

Who brings a friend on a first date, anyway?

I mean, it’s not a good look.

Good point, dude. Good point. 

Things will get weird quickly. But at least it will make a funny story later, right?

Wait, is this… serious? Who smells their armpits on a date?! 

It’s just creepy, even if we all do it. Don’t admit it. Yet. 

RUDE.

Wait, but I want this to happen to me. 

Right. Of course. Lure him in by pretending to be one person and then later transform into someone entirely different. 

BUT WHAT IF I REALLY LIKE CATS?

I mean, at least have the decency of not ordering from the dollar menu. 

Which of these tweets was your favorite? What would you tweet into this hashtag? What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done on a first date? Tell me in the comments!

#WhyBeInARelationshipIf….

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Guys quell first date jitters by Facebook stalking us before a date–and we do it too! | Source: ShutterStock

You obviously already know how you prepare for a date, but have you ever wondered what guys do before a first date? If you think dudes don’t sweat the first date, you’re totally wrong – as it turns out, guys actually get pretty nervous and there are a few things they do to prepare themselves (We can’t blame them for being a lil’ nervous, because we’re pretty great!). One of those measures? Facebook stalking you!

As for women and men, about a third of us admit to having “crippling nerves” before a first date, and sometimes being nervous can lead us to say and do stupid things–which explains why eight percent of us have called a date the wrong name. (Yikes!) Also embarrassing? Two percent of guys admit to being so nervous on a first date that they actually fell over. I’m not even judging them for this because I’m the clumsiest person on the planet, and really, it’s sort of endearing, isn’t it?

Other first date issues? Awkward silences, which roughly equal amounts of guys and gals admit terrify them.

To prevent being super nervous before a date, the study says that guys sometimes booze it up for liquid courage–we don’t recommend this, because it can impair your judgment, so you may not really realize how much you do or don’t like someone!

The most common practice before a date for both sexes? Good old Facebook stalking. It does give us some sort of an idea of what we’re getting into when we get to know a new person (“Oh hey, he likes The Walking Dead too!”) which can help with ice breakers.

But it’s also important to remember that a person can act and appear pretty different online than in reality, and that you may not be getting the whole story. Just like you wouldn’t want to be judged for a goofy pic with your BFF taken out of context, make sure you don’t dismiss a potentially awesome dude just because he has a few shady looking shots on Facebook! (But we bet now that you know guys are Facebook stalking you before a date, you may be a bit more careful of what you post yourself. Smart!)

What do you do to calm your nerves before a first date? Have you ever made a guy super nervous before a date? Would you ever Facebook stalk guy before a date? Tell us in the comments!

Beat your first date nerves with these tips, hot stuff!

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Just take our own stories as examples. Here at Gurl, we’ve had more than enough embarrassing date moments to go around and we’re happy to say that we lived through them. Plus, they now make seriously amazing stories to talk about with our friends. Read our embarrassing moments on first dates and then tell us yours!

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I Made Things Harder For Myself - Jess

A few years ago, a cute guy I met in class asked me out. I was pretty excited to hang out with him outside of school and so obviously I added him on Facebook and then stalked him on there as I was getting ready for our date. By the time he picked me up, I knew everything about him, from where he had gone to high school to the names of three of his ex-girlfriends. Things were going pretty well, until we started talking about vacations for some reason. I mentioned that I knew he had gone to California a few months ago and said how much I wanted to go there. It only took him a minute to be like, "Uh, how do you know I went to California?" I, being a total space cadet, forgot that I had only seen that on Facebook. Instead of joking about how I had seen it online (which I should have done), I went red and mumbled something about how he had mentioned it before, how did he forget, haha! So awkward.

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A Comedian Tortured Us - Meg

On one of my first dates with my now-boyfriend, we went to a comedy club. Everything was great - the comedian was really funny and we were having a good time... until the guy started ribbing on us! He kept asking my boyfriend all of these weird sexual questions about me while I was sitting right there. Luckily, he didn't answer any of them. But it was still so awkward with everyone staring at us and laughing at our expense. I'm never going to a comedy show again.

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I Looked Like A Little Kid - Julie

On one of my first dates with my high school boyfriend, we went to see a movie that was rated R. I was only 16, but I didn't think it was a big deal. Until it was… I got carded and they wouldn't allow me in unless my date could prove he was my legal guardian. (He was 17.) He obviously couldn't do that, so we had to go see a Disney movie instead. I felt like such a little kid!

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My Parents Crashed - Jess S

My major high school crush finally asked me out and I was so excited. We made plans to go to the movies and I was literally counting down the days. I was pretty embarrassed to be going on a date and didn't want anyone annoying me about it, so I kept quiet in front of my parents. Imagine my unpleasant surprise when my parents walked into the same exact movie theater to see the same movie as us five minutes after we got there. How are you supposed to cuddle with your crush while your parents are sitting behind you? You're not. It's impossible.

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I Forgot Where I Lived - Julie

I went out a date with a guy when we were both 15 and couldn't drive. My mom agreed to drive us there and his parents were going to drive us home. This was my first date EVER and I was so, so, so nervous. I got directions to his place and made my mom take me an hour early because I thought we'd get lost and I really didn't want to be late. We got there super early and my mom and I passed by his house a few times, just to be sure it was the right one, and then drove around the neighborhood killing time. When it was finally time to pick him up, he came out and was like, “Um, did you guys drive by here a few times like an hour ago?” And my mom and I both lied and said no.

After my first date (that same one) my date’s parents came to pick us up from the movies because neither of us could drive. They started leaving the mall parking lot and asked me for directions to my house. I was so nervous that I couldn't remember how to get to my house. We drove around for hours until we found it.

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I Didn't Know It Was A Date - Danielle

I once went on a first date without even knowing that it was a date. I thought I was just hanging out casually with a friend! Maybe that's why things were going so well... although I still didn't see the guy as anything more than a friend. Things got awkward at the end when he tried to kiss me. I said, "Wait, you thought we might KISS at the end of the night?" He was like, "Um, yeah," and then things just got weird.

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Which of these moments did you think was the most embarrassing? What’s your embarrassing first date story? Tell us in the comments.

I can’t believe he said that!

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I asked around and had women weigh in on what sorts of advice they wish they’d had before their first date and what they’ve learned from their own experiences. Need to calm your nerves about your first date? Well, look no further than these ten tips.

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It Could Happen When Least Expected

Before your first date, it's easy to get really hung up on the "when." The thing is that you can get asked out at totally unexpected times. Don't get worried or stressed - instead focus on living your life in the moment and be open to a date invitation surprising you.

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You Don't Have To Reinvent Yourself

You want to feel confident and comfortable on your date. That doesn't mean you have to try something totally new with your hair or buy different clothes. Do what you need to do to make yourself feel great about how you look, but don't feel like you need to change who you are at all.

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There Will Be Awkward Moments

While ideally we'd have a first date fit for a romantic movie, that will probably not happen. Your parents will probably want to meet your date (they may even have to drive you there) and you might say something weird or get something caught in your teeth. Don't hold yourself to a totally unreasonable expectations. Expect a little awkward and you'll both be able to roll with it.

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Eat What You Want

Seriously, just be comfortable and true to yourself by eating whatever you want on your date. Honestly, it's unlikely that your date will really even notice. You don't need to be self-conscious about ordering the "right" type or amount of food on a date, because there is no such thing. Whatever you want to order is the right thing!

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Visit The Bathroom

Obviously, yes if you really need to go, but also use it as a place where you can collect your thoughts or give yourself a little pep talk. It's a quiet space to yourself where you can think for a second and update your friends if need be (especially because you don't want to be texting at the table).

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Have An Out Just In Case

In all seriousness, do have a person you can use as an "out." If a date starts putting pressure on you, acting mean or you are just getting a really icky vibe, have someone who you know will be there to come get you or give you a reason to bail. A first date can sometimes have awkward moments, but it should never be something that makes you uncomfortable or feel unsafe.

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Figure Out The Bill

Don't let the issue of paying stress you out too much - just don't make assumptions your date will pay. If your date offers, let them pay (you don't want to protest it so much that you come off as rude). Splitting it is a great option or if you have the funds, you can offer to pay on your date, as well. Alternatively, you don't even need to go on a date where you have to pay for it to "count." Dollars spent doesn't equal how much you two may like one another.

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To Kiss Or Not To Kiss?

There is no kissing requirement at all. You don't owe your date a makeout sesh if he buys you dinner or anything like that. Kissing is something you should want to do, not something you feel like you have to do. That said, there also isn't anything wrong with wanting to kiss on your first date. If it feels right to both of you, that's all that matters.

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Time For Goodbye

Goodbyes can be a little awkward. Do you feel like your parents are standing right behind the doorway as you say goodbye on your porch? They very well could be. If you don't want to kiss, should you go for a handshake or hug or wave? The first date goodbye is just one of those things in life that you can't really rehearse. Just don't be worrying about this before the date is even over. Do what feels right in the moment.

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What Happens Next?

Sometimes it seems like once the date is over, you're through the hard part and you just want to unwind. That said, there may be some follow-up to do after the date. If you had a good time and want to go out again, say so! If you're not really interested in a second date, that's also totally fine to express. It might feel a little strange either way, but try not to leave your date with no idea where you stand after you go out that first time. In dating, straightforward tends to be golden.

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Do you have any advice for girls getting ready for their first date? Tell me in the comments.

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Had Sex

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This does not surprise me. First of all, frozen yogurt is delicious! Second of all, one time I definitely saw Kevin Jonas in line for fro-yo in front of me, so yeah, that happened.

Okay, so probably not all dates involve seeing a Jonas Brother, but How About We interviewed a rep from fro-yo chain 16 Handles and asked what he thought fro-yo topping choice could reveal on a date. He made some mention about how your topping choice or amount can show “you,” but he sadly didn’t dive into what exactly specific toppings could mean.

Well, that’s where we’ve come in to help you figure out just what your fro-yo toppings (or maybe your date’s!) could really be saying.

Gummy Bears Source: Shutterstock     Carob Chips Source: Amazon.com     Fruit Source: Shutterstock     Toffee Source: Shutterstock

Sugary Cereal Source: Shutterstock     Honey Source: Shutterstock     Cookies Source: Shutterstock     Chocolate Candies Source: Shutterstock