11 Minutes and 36 Seconds

According to a survey conducted by a dating app, that's how long you have to make a good impression on a first date... or a first "I swiped right on you and now I'm deciding whether or not to bang you" encounter. (Dating is weird these days.)

Psychologists say that modern dating is tough because of the "paradox of choice." Basically, it's so easy to meet people today via technology that we often become paralyzed by all those choices, so we just don't commit. And with so many thirsty singles lining up, we're always worried that someone even better is just around the corner. We get overwhelmed, dissatisfied, and lonely.

Maybe that's why we only give people 11 minutes to make a good impression. In just a few swipes, we could be sitting across from someone else.

Cultural commentary aside, the facts are the facts. And the fact is that you only have a few minutes NOT to come off like a wanker. And strangely, what you order for dinner is a big part of that, especially if you're a dude.

The Gluten-Free Problem

In surveys about first dates and turn-offs, there are always the same handful of no-no's to avoid:

• Don't get drunk.
• Don't have your face in your phone.
• Don't talk about your ex.
• Don't eyeball the cute waitress.
• Don't have gross teeth.

Now, according to an actual study published in an actual scientific journal, if you proclaim yourself to be gluten-free, your date will be turned off.

In the study, which used a mock online dating paradigm, gluten-free men were perceived as:

• High-maintenance
• Picky
• Demanding
• Complaining
• Judgmental
• Feminine (!)

Damn, girl, maybe the poor guy actually has celiac disease and is just trying to keep his joints from hurting. And maybe, just maybe, he doesn't want to get fire-hose diarrhea later that night at your apartment. You know, like a gentleman.

Luckily for gluten-avoiders, participants in the study also rated gluten-free potential dates as:

• Healthy
• Self-disciplined
• Energetic

What To Do With This Info

Hmm, just in case, avoid mentioning your gluten-free status in the first 11 minutes and 36 seconds of the date. Or just be really rich and/or good looking. Then, she'll overlook just about anything.

Reference

1. Aloni et al, "Too picky for my taste? The effect of the gluten-free dietary restriction on impressions of romantic partners." Journal: Appetite, Sept 15, 2018