NAVIGATING the dating scene is no easy feat – from dealing with dating apps, situationships, and disastrous first dates, there are a number of things that can go wrong.
But sometimes a first date can go so well that you can find yourself stepping into your partner’s home.
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And it can be a revealing moment that either pleasantly surprises you, or sends you running for the hills.
It’s normal to be nervous about going to a date’s home for the first time – but many singletons are often floored over what they find when they get there.
Experts have revealed some of the worst things they had seen in someone’s home when dating in a bid to help people from scaring off their partner.
In a recent survey, teams at Wayfair asked singletons across the UK about their worst home date experiences – and the results will shock you.
Experts were blown away to find many were instantly turned off after finding out their dates hoarded rubbish and had too much stuff in their homes.
While others were sent running for the hills after noticing holes in plasterboards that hadn’t been fixed or baby wallpaper in an adult’s bedroom.
One of the most common bugbears amongst singles is the state of cleanliness they have seen in people’s homes
Daniela Venturini
Dirty bathrooms and dirty rugs were also at the top of the list, as well as people being scared off after seeing a mattress on the floor or fake grass on the stairs.
Having a pet python also gives many singletons the creeps, along with having net curtains, dead bugs on the floor and surfaces, and body parts in formaldehyde.
And it’s also bad news if you have no bedsheets on your bed, old furniture, a worn sofa, ugly kitchen or dirty dishes in the sink.
Women were turned off by homes that have football memorabilia in all the rooms, and men were unimpressed with rooms that have ‘Live laugh love’ or butterfly stickers on the walls.
But everyone agreed that having tacky wallpaper, dirty towels, old takeaway trays left lying about, and cigarette ash and smoke throughout the house are a big no-no.
Luckily, experts have shared their top tips on how to keep your home to avoid sending your date running for the hills.
Daniela Venturini, Art Director and Trend Forecaster from Wayfair, said: “Bringing someone over to your home for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience, as you want to make sure you come across well to your prospective partner.”
The first thing to keep in mind is to always keep your home clean and tidy before your date arrives.
She said: “One of the most common bugbears amongst singles is the state of cleanliness they have seen in people’s homes.
“From unclean bed sheets to dirty dishes and leftover takeaway containers, it’s a good idea to do a good clean and tidy of your space before inviting anyone over.
“Not only will it give off a better impression, but it also shows you have pride in how you live and care for yourself.”
One thing you might not consider is being mindful of the colours in your home.
Daniela explains: “Bold and clashing colours can be off-putting if done wrong, but you can absolutely still be bold with colour by combining different hues to create a vibrant and dynamic palette.
The 50 worst things seen in a date’s home
THE top 50 worst things that singletons said they have seen in a date’s home are:
- Hoarding and having too much stuff
- Holes in the plasterboard from previous tenants they hadn’t bothered to fix
- A bike fixed to the wall over the fireplace
- Filthy rug
- Their mattress was on the floor
- A taxidermied dog
- Baby wallpaper in an adult bedroom
- All brown walls
- Generic painting of the London Eye
- A wall of granny cottage pictures
- Dirty bathroom
- Pet python
- Blue cushions on a yellow sofa
- Body parts in formaldehyde
- Black and red bed linen
- Bright floor-to-ceiling LED lighting
- Purple and yellow walls
- Butterfly wall stickers
- The carpet was made up of samples
- Old takeaways everywhere
- Dirty and untidy house
- Fake grass on the stairs
- Football memorabilia in all the rooms
- No bedsheets
- Old mismatched furniture
- Red lights
- Dirty towels in the bathroom
- Ugly kitchen
- Worn stained sofa
- Food down the side of the sofa
- Large picture of racing horses
- Dirty dishes in the sink
- ‘Live laugh love’ on the wall
- Cigarette ash and smoke throughout the house
- Crushed velvet framed mirror
- Butterfly stickers on the wall
- Tinfoil on the furniture
- Lava lamp
- Oil stains on the kitchen surface
- National flags all over the bedroom
- Dead bug collection
- Tattered curtains
- Fake antique furniture
- Purple wooden stairs
- Net curtains
- Tacky wallpaper
- A bird’s nest inside
- Fake fur rugs throughout the house
- Sports memorabilia in every room
- Soft toys
“The key to this is to ensure that the colours complement each other and work harmoniously in your space.
“Start by choosing a few bold colours that you really love, and then carefully select shades that either pleasingly contrast or blend seamlessly.
“It’s important to bring a few neutral tones into the pallet to keep the overall look cohesive and welcoming.”
Despite some singletons complaining about questionable decor, Daniela says she always encourages people to embrace their uniqueness and have their personality shown in their homes.
Questionable decor or personal items can cause the most disgust and confusion amongst house guests
Daniela Venturini
She added: “As you can see it is questionable decor or personal items that can cause the most disgust and confusion amongst house guests.
“But you should always embrace your unique decor choices with confidence, recognising that they reflect your individuality.
“If you have particularly unconventional items, it’s important to be self-aware and ask yourself if these pieces truly resonate with you.
“If they do, don’t feel the need to hide them, even if they might be considered unusual by some.
“Instead proudly showcase them as part of what makes your space authentically yours.
“After all, a future partner who truly values you will appreciate this self-expression.”
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