In a perfect world, one person would possess at least some personality trait conducive to a couple hours of company with another person. Two people might necessarily set off fireworks when they met, but they could at least enjoy a first date, cut their losses and wish each other luck.
Anyone who has navigated the dating waters, however, knows that the world is far but perfect. Reality is that there are some dating archetypes out there with whom even basic connection is very difficult. These are the dates that we recall in horror as we sip cocktails with our pals, the frogs before the princes, the ones during which you are fully justified in using your Get Out of Your Bad Date Free card and putting your escape plan into motion.
The Jekyll and Hyde
He seemed nice enough when you first met, but you have quickly come to realize that there are two wildly disparate personalities going on. He snapped at the waiter or someone sitting at the next table over a minor detail. Now he's smiling and charming again. What gives?
A Jekyll and Hyde is a complex bundle of conflicting emotions and thoughts, and he has to figure himself out before he can even consider a relationship. Just say no to this one - dating is high-pressure enough without working an emotional powder keg into the equation.
The Bitter Betty (or Byron)
She's broken one of the rules of a first date - she's talking about her ex. This might be an overlookable goof, but she won't stop talking about him. You now know his favorite color, the name of his dog and the reason she would never, ever, ever consider going back to him. Unfortunately, however, you don't know much about her.
If she's a Bitter Betty, she's still stuck in the past. It's commendable that she's trying to move forward and put herself out there, but she has much progress to make before she can get excited about what a great relationship you could offer her. At present, she needs to focus on getting over the past, not the future. At best, you'd be a rebound - and who wants to knowingly be the rebound guy?
That Guy
You know That Guy - there's one of him at any given bar on any given weekend night. He's the one who never got the memo that college is over, tolerance levels have changed and keg stands won't impress the ladies the way they used to in the good old days of Delta Pi. That Guy might seem classy when he invites you out for a drink, but that one drink has turned into a hefty tab at the bar and he's starting to get sloppy and loud.
That Guy can be the life of the party, but if he's unleashing his inner That Guy on your first date, this is a big red flag. Clearly, he either doesn't feel comfortable enough with who he is to be able to win you over without a whole lot of liquid courage or doesn't respect you enough to treat you with class. Added worry: you also can't necessarily guarantee that he'll remember what you look like when the morning comes and the beer goggles have worn off.
 | Dating is stressful enough without having to deal with a date who has mood swings. Keep in mind, however, that people have ups and downs; a moody date shouldn't necessarily make or break your time together. If you are patient and self-aware, you can help your date move past his or her mood swings. |
 | It's hard to know if you are compatible with another person, and, though you may meet some great people, they may not be what you're looking for. The key to escaping a date that isn't going anywhere is planning ahead and being honest. |
There are tricks to dealing with and even finding love with someone with a mood disorder. |
If you want to learn how to decode your date's moods, you will be on your way to a much more enjoyable encounter. |
Bad date stories are common when you're looking for love. What is important is that you learn how to learn from the horror stories. |
