Featured Image Credit: LaylaBird / Tim Robberts / Getty Images
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Dating trends
Britt Jones
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Dating trends
How do you feel about the prospect of a first date?
Some may be excited, nervous or dreading another failed experience - before it's back to the dating apps.
But luckily for us, Julie Silver, a dating expert, has come to save us from dating mishaps by providing a fool-proof 20 questions which will determine your compatibility with the person sitting across from you.
Well, let's get into it - have your notes ready.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, Julie claims that your friends reveal a lot about who you are. If they're prats, then he's a prat too.
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I don't make the rules.
If there is family drama, you'll want to know what you're in for and if he's to become involved in it too.
"There’s always a reason when a family isn’t close and if they didn’t get on with their parents, it could be they hold resentments that they bring into a relationship" Julie said.
This one is a 'trick question', Julie says. They'll treat you how they treat their exes if you break up and that's not something you want to find out.
"I definitely don’t want to be with anyone who views past relationships in a negative light." she continued to say.
"We learn good and bad from all encounters and that’s why negative Nellies who hold on to bitterness need not apply. It shows they hold grudges, which isn’t a good character trait."
Julie sleeps on an inclined bed for health and won't budge on changing that.
But that's not all as she also 'religiously wear an eye mask and earplugs' because getting rid of all noise and light helps her sleep better.
"If a potential amour thinks this is weird, then it’s unlikely to work out between us." she said.
Julie eats healthily and wants the same in a partner. Do you want someone who scoffs junk food?
She says that she's been on a few dates where the man seemed 'really intolerant of my lifestyle and healthy regime, and make spiky comments about the hype around trendy intolerances' - so it's best to find someone who aligns with your lifestyle choices.
This is very important to know right away - especially if you plan to be with this person for the rest of your lives - as no one wants to waste their time with someone on a different life path.
You might find that you enjoy the same things, or you hate their hobbies. Either way.
"It’s healthy to like different things, but I’d prefer them to enjoy doing similar things to me when we spent time together, such as going to health events, walking in nature and salsa dancing." Julie says.
If you're an early riser, would you want a night owl? It might not matter to you but at least you'll know.
Julie admits that this would make her feel overwhelmed if they were constantly bombarding her with messages, but if they did it as little as possible then it's not 'ideal'.
It's best to try and find that middle ground and not constantly message your prospective partner if they don't reply quick enough - which Julie says is 'too insecure' for her.
Affection is a cornerstone in most relationships.
However, others prefer limited physical contact - so it's always worth trying to find out what their love language is.
It's better to know now than when it's too late. Snoring? Leaving socks everywhere? A wanted man?
Some people are strict about eco products!
Julie added: "I wouldn’t want artificially perfumed or chemically based products in my home. Items such as shower gels and aftershaves are overpowering when they are produced this way."
If you like to binge-watch, this is important. If you're stuck with a bookworm who doesn't like TV, it won't be fun.
"I don’t want to be taken out of real life too much and be hypnotised by the small screen." she says.
"I’m very set in my ways and even someone putting the television on when I don’t want to watch it would really annoy me."
Slobby or snappy? You decide your preference.
She notes that this is something that she detests in a relationship, adding: "I put my phone on silent when I eat and refuse to allow anyone to have a phone at the table."
Julie recommends a balance in financial spending - nothing too expensive but not too cheap either.
"I prefer a middle ground. I’m not into labels and couldn’t contemplate being with someone who pays hundreds of pounds for one item — but, equally, a stingy attitude is a turn-off." she said.
The expert doesn't like men who put too much effort into how they look, but you might.
She said: "I’m never going to rub along with a guy who asks me if he looks nice rather than telling me that I look nice."
If you have 20 cats, then you'll need to know this now.
Marriage is an important discussion for couples to work out before it gets serious.
Julie notes that 'if you’re quick to anger or blame other people, then you know where the door is'.
"I much prefer to talk situations through. " she added.