5 Ways Your House Can Ruin a Date

By David Aaron Moore, Networx

So you think you’re ready to invite a potential romantic interest over to your home, perhaps for lunch or dinner? Think again. Take a look at your surroundings and make certain your home isn’t your own worst enemy. Peruse this checklist of five ways your house can ruin a date before bringing your new sweetheart home for that home-cooked meal.

1. A Dirty House

This isn’t a hard one to figure out. Dirty dishes in the kitchen, a stained toilet bowl, hair on the bathroom sink, a pile of unwashed laundry, tumbleweed-sized dust bunnies or funky odors all send out a clear message: you don’t care about your surroundings. If you’re not concerned about the space you live in, how could you possibly expect to share it with someone else in the future?

“Your living space is a direct reflection on you as a person, so that’s what your potential date is going to think about when they experience your home,” says certified life coach Darshana Hawks (also known as “Dr. Dar”), an expert in the field of interpersonal relationships who is based in Charlotte, NC. “Think about what you want them to think about you, and adjust accordingly.”

Also, nothing ends a date faster than plumbing problems. You might know the secret to flushing your 100-year-old toilet, but if your date uses it and inadvertently clogs it up, he or she might make a swift exit out of sheer embarrassment. If your bathroom plumbing is tricky, leave a clear sign in the bathroom explaining how to use it. Keep a plunger near the toilet for emergency toilet unclogging, and leave some bathroom deodorizer in plain sight.

2. Your House is Too Bright or Too Dark

Lighting says everything. Dr. Dar says, “Lighting sets the mood. If you want your date to be comfortable, then it’s important to create surroundings that reflect that.”

You don’t want it so dark it feels like a cave in your home. On the other hand, you don’t want it so bright a new visitor runs out the door blinded by harsh overheads. Find a happy medium. Bright lights in the kitchen are always good. An adjustable dimmer for the dining room sets tone. A few lit candles in the bath suggest romance. A pair of matching lamps in your living room (always avoid overhead lighting in the places you relax) no brighter than 60 or 75 watts each provide sufficient lighting without being overwhelming.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Ammy G.

7:17PM PDT on May 13, 2012

A lot of the points are just common sense.

May 13
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Eternal G.

6:51PM PDT on Apr 25, 2012

Funny!

April 25
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health t.

10:41AM PDT on Apr 17, 2012

haha great information , better tidy my house P

April 17
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Sarah M.

1:37PM PDT on Apr 1, 2012

why would i consider changing my decor, which reflects my personality, for a date? that's nonsense.

April 1
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Laura M.

2:23PM PDT on Mar 29, 2012

I agree emphatically with all of them except #3 - WHAT? if you care that much about "decor" i don't think i want to date you anyway...

March 29
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Kiana S.

1:29PM PDT on Mar 29, 2012

Agreed!

paula e.

6:26AM PDT on Mar 26, 2012

Interesting. Thanks.

March 26
send a green star

Kathy P.

4:44PM PDT on Mar 24, 2012

interesting thanks

March 24
send a green star

Teddie S.

6:31AM PDT on Mar 24, 2012

Do people really need to be told they need to clean up their homes before they invite anyone to come visit?

Dale O.

8:28PM PDT on Mar 23, 2012

Interesting subject and yes some useful tips for some who do not already know this, but a hoarder is certainly not going to change the lifestyle for a relationship.
Few people measure up to absolutely perfect homes gleaming and offering splendid lighting, useful tips in general however.
Many people do not worry over appearances as long as things are not totally downhill!