“I know the perfect guy for you!” Your best friend has decided she’s found the perfect man for you, and she’s set the two of you up on a blind date. Your palms are sweaty, and your heart is palpitating. How will you ever survive this night?
Blind dates can induce feelings of anxiousness and worry, but do not fear; it is possible to survive a blind date and have a great night! A few simple steps can help you make the most of your blind date.
The Fallacy of Great Expectations
When preparing for your date, it is best not to set the bar too high. If you begin the night expecting a muscular, suave knight in shining armor, you may be disappointed if a 250 pound mechanic shows up at your door.
Be prepared to meet a gentleman of any race, height, and size. Tell yourself that you will have fun, regardless of how your suitor looks.
Choosing an Activity
This may very well be the most important aspect of having a successful blind date. A blind date should never involve going to a movie, play, or concert.
Going to a movie is impersonal and will not allow you and your date to get to know one another. It is best that you and your partner choose an avenue that will allow the two of you to talk freely.
A few good ideas would be going out to eat, going on a picnic, or going to the park. Both you and your suitor should play a role in selecting where the date takes place. Be sure to choose somewhere that makes you comfortable and will allow you to be relaxed.
Meeting in Public
The next step to making the most of your date is meeting in a public place. It is best if the two of you meet somewhere, rather than having your suitor pick you up from your home. This is important because it allows you a bit more control.
Your date will not know your home address and you will have the freedom to drive yourself to and from the meeting place without awkward silence or forced conversation. This also will give you additional time to prepare yourself.
Listen to some good music or your favorite CD to get yourself in a good mood. Try not to think about your feelings of fear or stress.
Spicing Things Up
Once you have arrived at the meeting place greet your suitor with a smile and friendly handshake, or a hug. If you are meeting at a restaurant, order your favorite nonalcoholic beverage and begin introducing yourself.
Conversation is a pivotal point of the date. It sets the mood, and allows the two of you to get to know each other better. Here are a few do’s & don’ts to get the conversation started:
Do: Introduce yourself by telling him a few details about yourself such as your name, what your occupation is, one interesting detail about yourself and what you like to do for fun. Allow him the opportunity to do the same.
Don’t: Dwell too much on yourself, or dominate the conversation. Talking too much can lead your suitor to lose interest very quickly.
Do: Let your date know if you have kids.
Don’t: Dwell on your kids, or make the entire night about your daughter’s last Swan Lake performance. It is great to put your cards on the table, but it should not be the focus of your evening.
Do: Be yourself! Don’t try to change who you are to accommodate what you think your date would be more interested in. If you present yourself as you are, there will be no surprises in the future.
Do: Be relaxed and open minded. Be willing to get up and dance, or try a new dish.
Don’t: Drink too many alcoholic beverages. There is nothing worse than a drunk first date. Becoming inebriated could lead your date to see you as less classy and less worth his time. In addition you may end up doing or saying things that you will later regret.
Ending the Night
Once the two of you have eaten your fill and thoroughly gotten to know each other, its time to head home. End the night by telling your date that you had a good night.
Never invite your date back to your home on the first date. Give them a nice hug goodnight; promise to give them a call or text, and head home. You have just successfully survived a blind date!
