How to Recognize the Signs He’s Not Interested After the First Date

You went on a first date with a new guy, but you’re not really sure of the signs he’s not interested after the first date. Now you know how to move on.

The first date is always the hardest. You’re meeting someone for the first time… someone you think may have the potential to be your partner. It’s exciting and also a little scary. You don’t know this guy, so the first date is when you get the impression of who he is and what he wants. But then, what happens after the first date? How do you know if he’s interested in seeing you again or not? Well, instead of overanalyzing it, know the signs he’s not interested after the first date.

The clearest signs he’s not interested after the first date

We’ve all been on our fair share of dates. Some of them turn out great and others not so much. I had a friend who went on a first date where the guy spent the entire time on his phone texting. Why she stayed on the date, I have no idea. At some point, I would have left. But that’s not the point right now.

[Read: The 13 signs he’s not interested in a second date even if you are]

If you’re unsure of how the guy felt after the first date, read through these signs he’s not interested after the first date. Maybe you’ll find your answer. If not, text or call him and ask him how he feels. There’s no point wasting any more of your time on this. Get your answer and move on.

#1 He doesn’t mention a second date. Usually, if a guy really likes you and had a good time on the first date, he’ll bring up seeing you again. But if he’s radio silent after the first date and doesn’t even mention speaking to you again, well, he probably won’t. If he wants to see you again, he will make it clear. [Read: Calm steps to deal with the emotion of being ghosted] 

#2 The date ended early. But here’s the thing, it wasn’t because you cut it short. He cut the date short. If your date ended things early, it’s a solid sign he’s not interested in a second date with you. Don’t even take this as a red flag; take this as a solid ‘no’ and move on.

#3 He doesn’t get too personal. It’s okay not to get too personal on a first date, but this guy avoids even the most basic of questions. If he’s not asking you or answering personal questions, he’s not interested in getting to know you and vice versa.

#4 He doesn’t mention long-term dating. In the beginning, when you first connected, he mentioned he was looking for a long-term relationship. Well, during the first date, his mind completely changed, and suddenly, it went from serious to something casual. Let’s take this as a hint you’re not the one he’s looking for. 

#5 He doesn’t text you after. After the first date, you may text each other a little bit and arrange to meet up for the second date. But it’s been radio silence on his end. Listen, if it’s been days and days since the first date and there’s nothing from his end, he’s not interested. [Read: What to do when a guy doesn’t text back – don’t stoop and don’t panic!]

#6 He’s not present on the date. Once I went on a tennis date with a guy. Instead, he ended up being on his phone the entire time. Obviously, he wasn’t interested in me and decided to spend his time talking to literally anyone else. If he’s not present on the date, he’s not into you.

#7 He has horrible excuses. Maybe you made the first move and decided to text him after the first date. That’s completely fine, but his response wasn’t what you expected. He had an excuse for being unable to see you and never followed up by telling you a day that would work for him. That’s because he doesn’t want to see you. [Read: Why is he texting you if he’s not interested? 15 real reasons why]

#8 He brings up other women. I can’t stand when guys do this. Why can’t they just tell you they’re not interested? Why bother with this? On your first date, you shouldn’t mention other people, but he’s bringing up other women. It’s a bad sign. Why would you talk about other women on a date if you’re interested in this woman? Oh… wait…

#9 He stands you up. Oh, snap. Well, this is certainly rude. If he’s super later for no apparent reason or doesn’t even show up to the date at all, call it quits. This guy didn’t even have the decency to text you beforehand and let you know it’s not going to work out.

[Confession: He stood me up on a date and what I learned from it]

#10 He makes minimal effort. On the first date, he does the minimum to get through it. He engages in basic conversation and gives minimal attention. You’re lucky if he makes eye contact with you. If he’s not putting any effort into the interaction, you’re not going to see him again. 

#11 You feel the lack of enthusiasm. It’s not a great feeling when you’re on a date with someone, and you can literally feel their lack of interest in you. But it happens to the best of us. If you feel there’s no connection or chemistry, it looks like there’s not going to be a second date.

[Read: How to tell if there is no chemistry between you and stop trying]

Hopefully, if you didn’t know how to recognize the signs he’s not interested after the first date, these tips helped you out. Still unsure? Ask him and save yourself the trouble of overthinking it.