In the spirit of Halloween, I figured some dating horror stories were in order. Bad dates are something all of us have probably had at one point or another, though sometimes it seems that some people seem to have a lot more stories than others!

Most of the worst possible dating scenarios are the type where you have been set up by someone or it’s a blind date of some type. And usually, though awful at the time, they tend to be pretty funny to other people, especially as time goes on.

I can’t think of any terrible dates, though there were plenty of guys trying to pick me up who never made it to that point. And it occurred to me that maybe, just maybe, I could profile the typical bad dating experiences and share some helpful advice on how to avoid a bad date.

The Put Yourself in a Bad Situation Date: Most of the time I hear a bad date story, it seems like there is always a few bad dating mistakes made in the first place that automatically put you at risk for something to go wrong. For example, you should NEVER on a first date go to the other person’s house or have them come to yours. You should also not ride in a car together. Before you go on another single date, please read my Dating Safety Tips ebook. It’s free and you can download it instantly. If you do the things in the book, not only will you be safer, but you can probably eliminate about 75% of all miserable dating experiences.

The Egotistical Date: Anytime someone starts saying they’re better than everybody else or starts talking endlessly about themselves or just one interest non stop, it can get pretty boring for the other person. So remember when on a date to avoid talking only about yourself – and if you’re stuck with someone like that try changing the subject or politely tell them that you’d rather talk about something else rather than letting them go on, and on, and on.

The Hygiene Nightmare Date: When you go on a date, there are certain expectations that you would try to look and act your best. If you show up in ratty clothes or in need of a shower, it’s a good chance this isn’t going to impress the person you are seeing. This has little to do with appearances and everything to do with just showing a little effort. If you’re not putting in effort to even try to look nice, it’s going to make the person think you don’t put any effort into anything else. At the very least, take a shower, wear clean clothes, and shave/brush your hair. If your date shows up in need of some hygiene, consider doing an activity like going to the perfume aisle at a local department store or changing activities.

The Critical/Insulting Date: Nobody likes being criticized all the time, but being insulted is just down right terrible. A lot of people complain that their date seemed to put down everything they did or said or even came right out and said insulting things. Granted, it can be hard to know if you said something (or will say something) offensive or not, but at the very least, if your date seems upset about it apologize for your mistake. And if your date says something insulting to you, don’t immediately take it the wrong way because there’s a chance he or she has no idea – just politely explain that it is insensitive. And if it continues, there’s no shame in just picking up and leaving. You came for a date – not to be insulted.

The Blind Date Blind dates can be terrifying, whether you’ve met the person online or are being set up by friends. Here’s the problem with blind dates: you’re forcing yourself into a situation with too many expectations with someone you don’t even know. The word “date” immediately puts a ton of pressure on people almost instantly. Why not at least meet somebody casually first and then decide if a date is a good idea? This helps prevent you having any surprises in meeting someone and there’s no pressure. Good examples: I’ll be volunteering at the library next week, why don’t you come by? It’s not a date, and you’ll know within about 5 minutes whether it’s someone you want to get to know better – and without even worrying about the cost of dinner.

Dating horror stories can be tough to avoid, but some of these tips will definitely help to make it so you have a fun and safe experience more often than a terrifying or uncomfortable situation.

Have any dating horror stories you want to share? Tell us about it in the comments below and help others know what not to do on a date

It’s all going great until one day you hit what I call the “friend of the opposite sex” wall.

You’ve heard their cell ring a few times while you were together and when you ask them who it was, they just hit “busy” on their phone and dismiss it with an answer like “work,” or “dear God it’s my mother again.” When all the while, guess what has been happening? Yup, you guessed it … the opposite sex friend has been calling like a rottweiler since you came around.

This same sex friend also isn’t too happy with your newfound bliss. And why should they be? They’re losing their best friend, the closest thing to a partner that you now enjoy.

For all you know, they may have even been your biggest dread: “sex friends” before you came around. You won’t know for years if they were and you may never know the full story as to how “deep” their relationship went. So Damien, you ask, what do I do about this? I can only give you my suggestion through a story and what worked for me before I got married to my lovely Sarah. I think it’s good advice, but only you can decide for yourself through talking with your partner.

One evening I had just made enchiladas for my now-wife and her son of 4 years. We were relaxing after the pool and watching Disney shows until the boy’s bedtime.

Then the phone rang.

It was, well … we’ll call him Chip since I don’t believe in revealing names apart from my family and friends who say its okay. Chip called and Sarah talked to him for a little bit. He had been weaving in and out of her life before I came around and now even more since I had already proposed marriage. It was the old “ya want what ya can’t have” problem. To make a long story short, I went over and hugged my now-wife (did I mention she is immaculately beautiful?) and said quietly into her ear:

“The boy and I are going back to the pool for 30 minutes. I’m not pushing you, but I would like you to tell him we are a “thing” and then I would like you to not talk to him again.”

In the context of what we had been talking about, this made sense. It was like our “language” that only we “got.”

Well, that was the end of Chip! Sometimes in a relationship, you need to believe in yourself enough to draw the line. You should never be rude or possessive, but if you cannot tolerate the opposite sex friend, then your relationship has hit a wall. you must either get over it together somehow or be stopped by it. Many people choose to tolerate the opposite sex friend, but you don’t have to.

Have you encountered “the friend of the opposite sex” wall. How did you get over it?