Whether you meet online or are just on a blind date, everyone agrees that there are definite “date killers” that will almost guarantee that your first date is going to be the last one. Here’s a list of things that can make or break a first date.

1. Looks nothing like their picture. Everyone wants to put their best foot forward but a picture that is too unrealistic or is from 5 years ago before you gained 30 pounds is going to convince your date that you are, at the very least, deceptive.

2. Bad hygeine. Bad breath, body odor, dirty fingernails or just plain slovenliness shows your date how you should look after a hard day in the mines, but if you are an accountant, there’s no excuse for not cleaning up a bit.

3. Drinking too much. None of us are at our most attractive when we are sloshed, so try to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.

4. Being too forward. Let your date show you she’s interested and make sure she’s receptive before you initiate physical contact. Better yet, let her know you are recptive and let her make the first move.

5. Talking about ex’s. Chances are if he/she is your ex, there aren’t a lot of good things to say. It’s a turn off when the conversation revolves around someone who isn’t even there and you could come off sounding embittered and angry. Not a good first impression.

6. If you smoke, be open about it. Even if your prospective date doesn’t object to smoking, it’s makes you look deceptive if you say you are a non-smoker then chain-smoke through the entire date.

7. Turn off the cell phone. It’s annoying if a date takes calls on a cell phone all night and makes the other person feel as if your concentration is elsewhere. If you have to have the cell on in case of an emergency, explain why (maybe you have a child with a babysitter) and turn the ringer off. Never text message during a date.

8. Don’t talk only about yourself. If you are your only interest, your date may wonder where he/she fits in. Do spend time asking your date about himself/herself. You’ll learn a lot and it’s hard for anyone not to like someone who finds them interesting.

9. Complaining. If you complain about the service at dinner, your seats at the theatre, the price of the taxi, etc., he/she will get the impression that nothing will satisfy you and feel that all these minor details are more important to you than the company.

10. The best advice: Be yourself. Don’t try to impress, don’t lie or exaggerate. You are who you are and want to find someone who appreciates that person.