LITTERING CAN BE a divisive issue. For some people, squashing a piece of gum onto the pavement is a perfectly acceptable alternative to finding a bin. Others would run a mile at the thought of disposing of something improperly.

According to the most recent Anti-Litter League survey results, 32.5% of Irish towns and cities fall well below European standards when it comes to cleanliness.

Today we’re asking if seeing someone carelessly discarding their rubbish would give you a bad first impression of them, in particular if they were a potential romantic partner. If someone littered on a first date, would you see them again?

To get your thoughts flowing, we asked some staffers at TheJournal.ie to share stories of particularly bad habits they’ve seen in action on first dates. Here were a few of the best:

My friend was on a Tinder first date with a guy when he began to pick his teeth with his fork.

We were first minutes into our lunch date when he sneezed, leaving a gooey snot hanging from his nose. I couldn’t stop staring. I thought he hadn’t noticed but suddenly he grabbed it with his hand and wiped it on his jeans. Needless to say I couldn’t eat much and didn’t see him again.

I once went on a first date with a woman who literally just asked me questions – back-to-back, Spanish Inquisition-style. Fact-finding questions like ‘Where did you go to school? Where are your parents from? What’s your favourite food?’

Now it’s your turn. Are the above faux pas worse than leaving a used coffee cup discarded on a park bench, or are they on a par? Tell us via our poll below (and in the comments).

If someone littered on a first date, would you see them again?

Don’t risk giving a bad first impression or ruining that all-important first date. If you don’t dispose of your gum correctly, you’re not only littering, but breaking the law. Bin your gum when you’re done, and avoid a €150 fine. Visit gumlittertaskforce.ie for more information.