Red Flag Alert: How to Spot Dating Dealbreakers with Hookd

Dating in the digital age has its perks, but it's not without its challenges. First dates can be thrilling---full of potential, excitement, and the occasional red flag. In this guide, we'll help you navigate those tricky first encounters, so you can date smarter and spot red flags before they turn into roadblocks. Here's how to keep your dating radar finely tuned with Hookd.

The Red Flags to Watch for on a First Date

1. They're Overly Vague About Themselves

Mystery can be attractive, but evasiveness? Not so much. If your date dodges simple questions about their job, hobbies, or life in general, it might signal a lack of transparency. Hookd's AI Profile Review feature encourages authenticity by helping users present their best (and real) selves upfront.

2. They Show Disrespect to Service Staff

How someone treats waitstaff speaks volumes about their character. Rude comments, snapping fingers, or ignoring staff entirely are major red flags. On the flip side, kindness and gratitude are green flags that shouldn't go unnoticed.

3. They Make It All About Them

A good date feels like a two-way conversation. If they dominate the discussion, interrupt, or barely ask about you, it's worth reconsidering a second meet-up. Hookd's compatibility-focused design ensures you're matched with people who value meaningful connections.

4. They Bring Up Their Ex... a Lot

We've all got pasts, but if your date can't stop talking about their ex, they might not be ready for something new. Pay attention to how much airtime their previous relationship gets and whether they speak respectfully about it.

5. They're Glued to Their Phone

We live in a connected world, but a first date deserves undivided attention. If your date spends more time texting or scrolling than engaging with you, it's a clear sign their priorities might not align with yours.

How to Handle Red Flags in Real Time

Spotted something off? Trust your gut but stay calm and composed. Here are a few tips:

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: If they're vague or evasive, gently probe for more details without being confrontational.

• Mirror Their Energy: Are they overly intense or distant? Adjust your approach to maintain balance.

• End Gracefully: If it's not working, politely wrap up the date without drama.

Using Hookd to Avoid Red Flags Beforehand

With Hookd's AI-driven features, you can identify compatibility and avoid unnecessary mismatches before the first date. Our Profile Review ensures authenticity, while Connection Preferences help align your dating goals with potential matches. Plus, Hookd's in-app messaging encourages deeper conversations, so you can vet potential dates from the start.

Conclusion

First dates should be exciting, not stressful. By keeping an eye out for red flags and using Hookd's tools to your advantage, you can focus on finding genuine connections. Remember: dating is about quality, not quantity. Ready to upgrade your dating game? Download Hookd now and start connecting smarter, not harder.