It’s sweet when men try to be romantic — especially when their attempts go off without a hitch or with flying colours. Issues only arise when they try to do something that’s more cheesy or irritating than swoon-worthy. So what doesn’t tend to work on women? With summer love hot in the air, stay in the know with these 10 things men think are romantic but actually are not. At all.

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Bringing his friends on a first date
It's a good sign that a guy wants you to meet his friends, but it’s not OK for him to bring friends on a date without at least asking if you want to have a plus one or two there as well.
Related: Why the best sleep of your life happens with your dog (and not your boyfriend!)

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2 / 10
Flowers after a first date
It’s sweet that he enjoyed your date so much that he wants to treat you to flowers to say “thank you for going out with me,” but overdoing the romance early on can be overwhelming. It’s best to save flowers for surprises down the line.

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3 / 10
Fighting over you
Grown adults do not fight – physically or verbally – over someone. It’s just not done. It’s also a little chauvinistic. Though Hollywood makes this situation seem romantic, it’s not. People really should never look to movies for ideas on love.

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Saying ‘I love you’ too early
If your date is feeling the love genuinely, it’s OK to say those three little words. The issue is it’s hard to fall in love with someone immediately after meeting them. Let's be honest, we all want to hear the L word when it’s sincerely felt, not before.
Related: Should your lover be your best friend?

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Being in constant communication
Let’s all admit it: being too available can come off as clingy or desperate. That’s never a good thing if you’re looking to impress a potential lover.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 21 sex myths everyone thinks are true.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 21 sex myths everyone thinks are true.

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6 / 10
Surprising you
Some people like surprises and some don’t. For the latter, grand gestures of love, especially when a couple is first dating, can be overwhelming and stressful. Folks would benefit from knowing which camp their lady falls in before planning anything unexpected.

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7 / 10
Overly gushy notes
Unless you’ve been dating for a while notes that are overly romantic can feel contrived and insincere; usually you have to know someone well in order to gush over their characteristics.
Down the road, you may also want to keep your eyes peeled for these 17 hidden signs you're headed for an affair.
Down the road, you may also want to keep your eyes peeled for these 17 hidden signs you're headed for an affair.

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Teasing you
When everyone was kids, teasing was the only real acceptable way to show that you cared. As an adult, though, a crush can be conveyed in a better way, like through gestures and words instead of sarcastic insults.
Plus, don't miss any of these warning signs your relationship is failing.
Plus, don't miss any of these warning signs your relationship is failing.

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9 / 10
Heart-shaped gifts
If you're sniffing out something for someone you just started dating, please avoid heart-shaped gifts — unless it's Valentine's Day — and even then, know your audience. Heart-shaped gifts can come off as cheesy — that’s especially true when they come in jewellery or teddy bear form.

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10 / 10
Public declarations
You know those engagement videos where some eager person proposes to their partner in front of a group of people? To some that’s romantic, to others that’s their idea of a horror movie. What’s more, these spots can come off as cheesy instead of romantic.
Related: The pros and cons of joining a threesome.
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