Collegiate Times

It's over and the date has just begun. The only escape — the only ticket out — is the bill and an excuse about having to get up early the next morning.

How did a burning flame of possible eternal commitment flicker and turn into rising smoke and ashes? The extinguisher that doused this date was a dealbreaker, turnoff so engrained in personal standards that it cannot be overlooked.

A dealbreakerdoesn't usually delve into the crevices of a date's deep thoughts. It is usually based on superficial observations or candid comments.

For example, a gym rat with bulging veins who continuously says "dude seriously," or someone who replies, "I don't listen to music," and then when pressed further says, "well maybe Elton John and the Beach Boys," or even worse, encountering a Nickelback or Creed fan (who will not "Take You Higher" in regards to relationship points).

"Hawaiian shirts … hel-lo," said Liz Denniston, George Washington University alumni.

She continued to list her dealbreakers, "Lack of geographical knowledge,

long hair that is only cut once a year … hypothetically speaking, and slapping your friends' asses claiming, 'Lizzy, that's just how people act at parties'... dealbreaker," she laughed.

Dealbreakers are not personality definitives; however, it is a red flag that waves violently in the back of one's mind.

A dealbreaker is a subtle clue — the "Cliff Notes" of a person — which reads, "I had a taste and am not up for seconds."

Danny Lentz, senior in industrial design described his dealbreaker, "A girl who takes pictures of herself, and only herself in a shot. It reflects how vain she is — it's not fun to be around … if you take a picture of just yourself, that's so lame."

Vanity can also be a dealbreaker for girls as well.

"I'm totally turned off if the guy can't stop talking about himself and doesn't ask me any questions," said Inga Schultz, senior in industrial design.

Shoe choice may start a date off on the wrong foot with Lindsay Butler, first year master's degree student in speech pathology at Boston University, "White sneakers and jeans, Tevas and Sketchers … I hate Sketchers."

Another two steps backward for Butler: "Men that drive Jettas — sorry, it's a girl car," she said.

"Anyone who is really into the movie 'Top Gun' … such as quoting lines from the movie like, 'I feel the need, the need for speed,' referring to their buddies as 'wingmen' at the bars or using different character names like Iceman or Maverick. The worst thing I witnessed at a bar was when those 'Top Gun' dudes tried to recreate the 'you've lost that loving feeling.' I am pretty sure that was the sum of all my fears," Butler said.

Continue Reading: 12 Next »