10 Surprising Petty Deal Breakers That Ruined Real Dates

We’ve all been there—those instant deal-breakers that make us say no to a potential date. It could be something significant like incompatible values or something as trivial as their choice in music. Sometimes, our feelings are just out of our control.

I came across a fascinating Reddit thread recently that asked, “What’s the most trivial reason you’ve refused to date someone?” Here are some of the responses from the community.

1. Their Voice

“Some people’s voices just grate on my nerves.” — Anonymous Redditor (deleted)

2. Dining Style

“I once had breakfast with a guy who smeared ketchup all over his plate, then mixed everything together into one big mash, pancakes included. I knew right then it was over.” — u/herfreespirit1976

3. Awkward Shirtless Pics/Texts

“A guy I was seeing sent me a shirtless photo with the caption, ‘Behold the ultimate strength and power, kitty.’ The cringe-worthy flex, the message, or him calling me ‘kitty’—I can’t decide which was worse.” — u/RobberyStrawberry

4. Spot-on Beavis and Butthead Impression

“This is my moment. I was dating a really nice guy who bragged about his spot-on Beavis impression. He wasn’t lying—he looked and sounded exactly like him. That was it for me.” — u/Straight-Kick5824

5. Android vs. iPhone

“It wasn’t me, but I know people who refuse to date someone because they use an Android and not an iPhone. Seeing those green text messages seems to be a real deal-breaker!” — u/-SilverCrest-

6. How They Drive

“If they don’t use blinkers when driving, it’s a no-go. No signal on the road, no communication in real life.” — u/olive_orchid

7. Constant Scoffing

“I went out with a gorgeous woman who would scoff loudly whenever she disliked something. It started to drive me insane, and I had to end it.” — u/shazamm20

8. Treatment of Their Dog

“He would scold his dog for just being a dog. Total turn-off.” — u/themajoritea

9. No Phone Case

“Back in the day, I’d always swipe left on guys who didn’t use a phone case. Too much unnecessary stress.” — u/Cheap-Tig

10. Time Taken to Get Ready

“Anyone who takes an eternity to prepare for the smallest outing. I dated someone who took 40 minutes just to get ready for a quick dog walk—no makeup, nothing fancy, just endless procrastination. It made me question my patience for a long-term commitment.” — u/Cute_Lunatic