First date? New business meeting? You only have 27 seconds to make a good first impression, according to new research.A study among 2,000 Americans examining the art of first impressions found that seven in ten Americans (69 percent) form a first impression of somebody before they even speak.The research investigated the key contributors and timings to a positive first impression and found that smiling, being polite, smelling nice, being a good listener and making eye contact number among the leading factors.The new survey by Dollar Shave Club was conducted to mark the launch of their cologne collection, Blueprint.Results confirmed the importance of smelling good when seeking to form a positive first impression — as 85 percent of respondents said their first impression of somebody will be more positive if they smell good.And that goes double when you’re on a date. Things move a bit quicker in the dating world, as six in ten Americans (60 percent) admit they take even less time than normal to form a first impression in a dating context.You better impress early, too, as the average person knows within 15 minutes into a date whether they want a second date or not, with half (50 percent) saying it takes even less time than that.Quite a bit of prep goes into a first date, it turns out and it may actually involve Google.If you’ve got a first date lined up, you better hope your online presence is squeaky clean, as two in three Americans say it’s a good idea to search your date online before meeting up.Getting ready for a date was also found to take the average person 29 minutes, with one of the most crucial predate steps revealed to be picking out a scent.According to the study, over two in three Americans (68 percent) put a lot of thought into how they smell before a date.“We know that a scent speaks volumes and cologne is the last thing you apply before walking out the door. That’s why we created Blueprint, a range of six amazing colognes that are perfect for every occasion. Our award-winning fragrance team has created a thoughtful selection of colognes you won’t find anywhere else. Whatever your plans, we have a Blueprint,” said Nick Virginio, Senior Brand Development Manager.All that preparation can make a real difference to a person’s confidence with nearly every respondent (89 percent) saying they feel more confident when they look and smell good.And confidence can go a long way when it comes to dating, as 83 percent of Americans say they’re more likely to form a good first impression of somebody they perceive as confident.But smelling bad, acting arrogantly and dressing poorly were found to be the top reasons people will form a bad first impression of somebody.
And if you fail to impress early on a date, then it probably won’t last for long. If a date is going poorly the average American will call it quits after just 16 minutes.Four in ten Americans (40 percent) admit to having a friend call and fake an emergency to get them out of a miserable date, while 39 percent say they’ve told a date they have to work early in order to cut ties with a bad match.Top 10 contributors to forming a good first impressionSmile: 53 percentPolite: 53 percentWell spoken: 49 percentEye contact: 49 percentGood listener: 48 percentSmells nice: 46 percentHolds conversation well: 46 percentBody language: 44 percentTone of voice: 44 percentWell dressed: 42 percent
Top three contributors to forming a bad first impressionSmells bad: 66 percentArrogant: 62 percentDresses poorly: 49 percent
First date timeline29 minutes to get ready27 seconds until first impression is made15 minutes until you know if you want a second date16 minutes is the earliest the average person has left a bad date17 minutes until you know if you want a kiss at the end20 minutes until you know if you want to go home with your date
Top five bad date turn offsBad manners: 64 percentPoor hygiene: 59 percentOn the phone too much: 53 percentTalking about an ex: 53 percentBragging: 52 percent
10 of the funniest lies Americans have come up with to leave a bad date“My dog sitter has to be home at a certain time.”“I have a boyfriend.”“I have poison oak all over the lower half of my body and have to go put ointment on.”“I have to help someone whose car broke down.”“I once told my date that I have a dog that is sick. I didn’t own a dog at that time.”“Left a candle lit at home.”“My neighbor’s pet needs me.”“Said I was about to throw up cause of something I ate before.”“That my sister was going into labor! I don’t even have a sister!”“Saw an ex in the restaurant.”
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