Relationships
Six mistakes to avoid on a first date

Meeting your love interest for the first time can be exciting and nerve-wracking. First dates often come with a rush of emotions and frequent questions about what to wear, what to say, and how to act.
Despite the uncertainties and anxiety that accompany first dates, it is important to make a good impression and ensure a smooth experience to avoid sabotaging the chance of a meaningful relationship.
Given this, here are mistakes you should steer clear of to ensure a smooth and enjoyable date experience.
- Being late
Showing up late to a date can create a bad first impression. It can even give off the impression that you do not value or respect your date and his/her time.
To avoid being late, plan your journey and aim to arrive a few minutes early to demonstrate punctuality and consideration.
In case of unexpected delays, communicate with your date. Let him/her know why you will be running late and do not forget to apologise.
- Dressing inappropriately
You should dress the way you want to be addressed by your date.
Do you know your appearance can speak volumes about your personality, confidence, style, and preferences? So dress and appear in a way that will give a long-lasting positive impression.
Dress appropriately and comfortably without going overboard or overdressing for the event.
- Constantly checking your phone
Why are you at the date in the first place when you know you will be on your phone throughout?
It is important to put your phone away during a date so you won’t make your date feel unimportant and ignored.
So put away your phone, pay attention, listen, and engage in conversation. Make yourself fully present and interested during conversations.
The only reason you should be on your phone constantly is when you are expecting an important call or message. And your date must have been aware of this beforehand.
- Talking too much
Yes, you should be active in the conversation but moderation is key. Do not overdo it.
Some people tend to talk more when nervous which is understandable. However, remember that a date is a conversation, and it should be balanced: your date talks, and you talk.
Try not to dominate the conservation. Talking too much about yourself is a major turn-off on a first date.
The essence of a date is for both people to get to know each other so practice active listening.
Ask open-ended questions to encourage your date to share about themselves and aim for a balanced conversation.
Also, avoid bringing up politics or religious subjects. These subjects can be controversial and create tension or disagreement.
- Talking about your ex
Understandably, you want something serious and you want to do a little preliminary digging.
There is no harm in asking but let it come up organically. Also, do not dwell on it for too long.
Give your date time to open up about his/her past relationship. Do not force it, not even on the first date.
Try not to also bring in your past relationships except when you are asked. This can make your date uncomfortable and give the impression that you are not over your exes.
Rather, keep the conversation light and focused on getting to know each other.
Save more personal topics for later dates when a deeper connection has been established.
- Trying to get physically intimate too soon
Pushing for physical intimacy too early can create discomfort and send the wrong message.
First dates are meant to establish a connection and understand compatibility, not to rush into physical relations.
So, respect personal boundaries and focus on building emotional and intellectual connections first.
If the relationship works out, there is plenty of time to explore physical intimacy.
But on a first date, do not try to establish physical intimacy to avoid coming off as creepy or desperate.
Remember, be yourself throughout the conversation and let the relationship develop naturally. Don’t force it.
Relationships
Divorce from Melinda remains my greatest regret, says Bill Gates

Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, has opened up about his “biggest regret in life” — his divorce from Melinda Gates, his ex-wife of 27 years.
In a recent interview with The Times of London, the billionaire businessman described the divorce as “tough”. He revealed that it made both him and Melinda “miserable for at least two years”.
Gates, 69, reflected on their time together, saying Melinda saw him through a lot, from his early success to becoming a global tech icon.
He also acknowledged that they were both driven individuals, but Melinda took on most of the.parenting responsibilities.
“When Melinda and I met, I was fairly successful but not ridiculously successful — that came during the time that we were together. So, she saw me through a lot. When we got divorced it was tough and then she made the decision to leave the foundation,” he said.
“I was disappointed that she took the option to go off. I encouraged Melinda to be a little calmer than my mother was, but we were both quite driven. I spent more time with the kids than my dad did, but the ratio was still 10:1, with Melinda doing most things for the kids.
“We had a great time. I’m more cheerful now but divorce was the mistake I regret the most. There are others, but none that matter. The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years.
“Melinda and I still spend time together as a family. We have three children and two grandchildren, so there are always family events. The kids are doing well and have strong values.”
Gates and Melinda first met in 1987, when she became a product manager at Microsoft. They married in Hawaii in 1994 and founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — a nonprofit dedicated to combating global poverty and disease — in 2000.
Following their divorce in 2021, Melinda, 60, resigned from the foundation in May 2024.
The former couple shares three children: son Rory, 25, and daughters Phoebe, 22, and Jennifer, 28.
Gates is now dating Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd.
Relationships
‘Nobody hacked my IG account’ — 2Baba confirms split from Annie

2Baba, the ace Nigerian singer, has confirmed his split from Annie Idibia, his wife.
In a now-deleted Instagram post, the ‘African Queen’ hitmaker singer announced that he and Annie had been separated for a while and were filing for divorce.
Barely minutes after the post, the 49-year-old disclosed that his Instagram account was hacked and efforts were being made to take back control.
But in a new video, 2Baba refuted earlier claims that his Instagram account was hacked. He also confirmed his split from Annie.
“Hello my people, nobody hacked my account. Na me talk wetin I want talk, you understand? I come in peace,” he said.
https://twitter.com/CableLifestyle/status/1883625104372113418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1883625104372113418%7Ctwgr%5Ee552fa264b82c3a49ad69ecfe88e05cb554bb5a7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Flifestyle.thecable.ng%2F2baba-confirms-split-wife-annie%2F
As of the time of this report, Annie has yet to comment on the matter.
2Baba and Annie tied the knot in May 2012. They have two children — Olivia and Isabella.
This isn’t the first time the couple’s marriage has faced public scrutiny.
Relationships
Dami faints as Portable confronts her over infidelity

Portable, the controversial singer, and Damilola Ajeyemi, his girlfriend, have resumed their disagreement on social media.
The drama started on Thursday when Damilola apologised to Portable and sought to reconcile after their fallout in December 2024.
In a series of now-deleted posts via her Instagram story, Damilola attributed their breakup to bad advice from a friend.
She also expressed her love for Portable, stating their relationship is personal and not a “community project”.
“99 advisers, zero helpers. Trust nobody; the unfortunate ones will advise and still talk bad about you behind your back,” she wrote.
“True love never dies. No matter what, follow your heart, and that’s what I’m about to do. God help me.
“Your relationship doesn’t need to make sense to anybody except you and your partner.
“It’s a relationship, not a community project. There’s no love without forgiveness, and there’s no forgiveness without love. It’s my happiness that matters.”
However, the friend in question denied Damilola’s claim she misled her. She also alleged that Dami had been promiscuous and involved with multiple skit makers.
“Ok, you’ve replied to me as I wanted. Aye eh ta loni. How I wish your so-called husband knows how many skit makers din enter Queen werey. Wait I they come,” she wrote.
When Portable confronted Damilola about the allegation she refused to clarify, saying she was not ready for another public embarrassment.
https://twitter.com/Teeniiola/status/1880030640264880220?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1880030640264880220%7Ctwgr%5E39b7045714d432d42d3e9a05c1993a93ffc4124c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Flifestyle.thecable.ng%2Fdami-faints-as-portable-confronts-her-over-infidelity%2F
But in a now-viral video, Damilola could be seen in an unconscious state lying on a friend’s lap as she was driven to the hospital.
Portable is now questioning the sincerity of Damilola’s love, calling it a “scam” and suggesting her fainting was just a tactic to avoid the truth.
“I asked her if anyone slept with her when we broke up, and she fainted. Why will she faint? No be you say you wan love me back? Before you say you no love me, now love don come,” he said.
“So love dey go dey come? Love come na scam, love no come na scam. I just asked her if they tear her or no tear her. And she fainted.”