Handy Hints for a Successful Blind Date

Do the words “I know just the right person for you” send shivers down your spine? Tired of meeting yet another total stranger that a well meaning friend has set you up with?  Read these tips and that next blind date may be your very last! Turn that blind date into a relationship. Here’s how:

1.       First impressions count. Put your best foot forward and make sure you are looking your finest. Dress appropriately for the venue. If you are feeling comfortable wth how you are looking, this will be reflected in your self- confidence. It may be called a blind date, but your potential new friend, as a rule, can see. If you give the impression you can’t be bothered with your appearance on a first meeting, that is a pretty strong indicator that you are not really serious about meeting someone.

2.       Do some research. Your well meaning friend has undoubtedly bombarded you with fantastic details about this perfect person. Use this to your advantage. Think about what you have been told already so that you can prepare yourself with extra questions for any uncomfortable silences.

3.       Do not treat the blind date like a job interview. No one likes to feel interrogated. Do not present your date with “20 questions”. If there is something you really want to know, try and introduce it into the conversation subtly.

4.       No rehashing past romances. Your blind date has probably been inundated with as much information about you, as you have with them. If your last relationship was a disaster, your friend may well have mentioned that already. A blind date is no place for bitter and twisted discussions about exes.

5.       Body language. Your body is sending out subconscious signals the entire time you are on your blind date. Use this to your advantage. Try to present yourself in a friendly open way. Keep your arms uncrossed, and your hands on the table. Try not to fidget as this comes across as extremely nervous. Sitting up straight shows some interest in your surroundings. Smile and try to maintain some eye contact with your date. Everyone is more attracted to a happy and positive person.

6.       Be gracious. If the date is a total dud, then look upon it as an opportunity to practice your social skills for next time. Be polite. There is nothing wong with winding things up early if there is clearly no interaction with your blind date. Just remember, it is a small world and you may bump into this person again. Leave things nicely.

Go on that next blind date! Use these dating hints and your life partner could be only as far away as your well meaning friend.