来源：《今日美国》
原文见报日期：2022年6月1日
[A] Not showing up authentically.
[B] Projecting rather than being curious.
[C] Talking too much about yourself.
[D] Talking about past relationships.
[E] Being late.
[F] Over-disclosing.
[G] Putting too much pressure on the first date.
Dating can be fun, but it can also be stressful. And although, “be yourself ” is good advice, there are other things we should keep in mind before we embark on a first date with a new person.
约会可以很有趣，但也可能会有压力。虽然，“做自己”是一个很好的建议，但在我们开始与一个陌生人的第一次约会之前，还有其他一些事情我们应该记住。
The first date is our chance to make a good first impression and to encounter another person genuinely. First dates are a great time to check compatibility with a potential partner and enjoy yourself regardless of the outcome.
第一次约会是我们给对方留下良好第一印象的机会，也是我们真诚遇到另一个人的机会。第一次约会是检验与潜在伴侣是否合得来的好时机，不管结果如何，都要尽情享受。
If you’re nervous about a first date or if you don’t often make it past the first date, it might be worth exploring if you make any of the following mistakes.
如果你对第一次约会感到紧张，或者如果你经常第一次约会后就没有下文了，那么如果你犯了以下任何一个错误，都可能是值得探究的。
1. ______________
We all want to make a great first impression. But often, we try to do this by being who the other person wants us to be, rather than showing up as who we are. It’s common for people to fake a bit of enthusiasm about activities they find mundane or flat out dislike, or alter their opinion to match their dates. But the biggest mistake is to get someone to like an inauthentic version of you.
2. ______________
Talking about yourself is great, but don’t monopolize the conversation. Many people talk a lot when they are nervous, but it can come off self-involved and make the experience less engaging for the other person. If you notice you’re doing this, it can be helpful to clarify by saying: “I tend to talk a lot about myself when I am nervous.”
3. ______________
Every context is different, and sometimes the conversation of ex-partners comes up quickly and organically. There is nothing wrong with that. However, talking about your ex for most of the conversations or making comparisons between your date and your past relationship may be intimidating or a sign you’re still hung up on your ex.
4. ______________
It’s important to want to connect and be honest and vulnerable, but telling someone about our childhood trauma or our current struggles during the first date may be overwhelming or inappropriate. Although we can be honest about our shortcomings, we probably don’t need to make jokes about every insecurity we have. Likewise, we can be proud and confident, but we don’t need to brag and give unnecessary details. For every first date the level of disclosure may vary – read the room.
5. ______________
Maybe you’ve already picked out your wedding venue and know what your first child’s name will be, but it’s important not to put too much pressure on the first date. If it doesn’t work out, chances are you won’t die alone. The date doesn’t have to be perfect, you don’t have to like them, and they don’t have to like you. It’s about being open to a new experience.
答案：1A 2C 3D 4F 5G