polly1 - well said! I love the short hair. Short hair RULES. I also love a straight, boyish figure rather than the curves that, along with long hair, I'm "programmed" to like. But we're straying too far into general attractiveness rather than what impresses on a first date. Or are they the same thing anyway?
Being bright and chatty, showing interest in me, sounding intelligent, being interested in a range of things, not having dressed up much, are all impressive. I love being surprised - her saying something or relating an anecdote that's completely unexpected and throws me - oh man, I love that. And contrary to an earlier reply, a discreet tattoo and a piercing or two are good, good, good. Put offs would I suppose by definition be the opposites of some of those - being quiet and a shy little flower, making me feel it's hard work to keep conversation going (a MAJOR turnoff for me) or just going on about herself the whole time, looking like she's spent hours getting ready, not being curious about things, showing too much interest in showbiz gossip rubbish - all bad signs for me.
Lighting up between courses - yeccch. Using the phrases "retail therapy" and "it's just a bit of fun" during conversation and peppering her speech with "like" this and "like" that and "I'm like, yeah, and she's like, no". Which should be made criminal offences, in my view.