Difference between revisions of "Have a Successful Blind Date"

#Choose the person who sets you up wisely. If you’re asking someone to set you up, make sure that the person knows you well and, perhaps more importantly, knows what you want in a partner. Your close friends might have the same social circles as you and might not be able to set you up with anyone new. Don’t be afraid to ask people you don’t know as well, such as friends of friends, to set you up. Pick someone who you think would have fun, interesting friends.<ref name="rf1">http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/a3135/how-to-blind-date-0606/</ref>

#Talk to your date on the phone beforehand. You will need to communicate with your date beforehand to talk about logistics. If the person setting you up insists on coordinating logistics, ask to at least chat with the person on the phone for a few minutes with the matchmaker there. Ask your date a few basic questions, such as where they are from or what they like to do on the weekends. That way, when you talk to the person on your date, you’ll have one small conversation to reference.<ref name="rf2">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-gail-gross/10-tips-for-a-successful-blind-date_b_8689370.html</ref>

#Set a specific start and end time for your date. Choose a start time that you can make with plenty of leeway. Choose an end time that leaves time for lingering if you want to keep talking with your date. Keep it short. If you like your date, you can always see them again. A bad date that’s too long is worse than a good date that’s too short!<ref name="rf3">http://www.datingtips.com/relationships/singles/dating-tips/keys-to-a-great-blind-date/</ref>

#Pick a public place for your date. Restaurants, bars, parks, movie theaters, and mini golf venues are all good examples. Let a friend know what time you’re leaving and when you’ll be back. Check in with her at the end of your date so that she knows you’re safe.<ref name="rf3" />

#Pick a low-key but engaging activity. When deciding what to do, pick something that is easy and stimulates conversation. Feel free to abandon the “dinner and drinks” mold.<ref name="rf4">http://www.glamour.com/story/10-ways-to-have-an-awesome-bli</ref> Here are some ideas that are more interesting than dinner (but also pair well with dinner, if you are hungry!):

#*Dance class<ref name="rf5">http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/advice/g1033/romantic-first-date-ideas/</ref>

#Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Don’t feel the need to try out a new outfit. Wear something that you know you like and that you know looks good. Dress appropriately for the activity you’re doing on your date. Wear athletic clothes if you’re going hiking or more formal wear if you’re going out to an expensive restaurant.<ref name="rf2" />

#Drop all expectations. Try not to expect the perfect partner right from the outset. Your blind date might surprise you in a positive way. When you think about what you hope to get from your blind date, turn your mind to something else immediately. Don’t have low or high expectations. Aim for no expectations instead.<ref name="rf4" />

#Think of an emergency escape plan. Do not stay at your blind date if your date is rude, mean, or otherwise extremely unpleasant. In the unfortunate case of an emergency, rehearse what you’re going to say. Maybe your roommate is sick, or your landlord called with an urgent issue regarding your apartment. It’s good to have an emergency plan in case the date goes horribly awry.<ref name="rf1" />

#*What in your life are you proud of?<ref name="rf6">http://hellogiggles.com/questions-to-ask-on-a-first-date/</ref>

#*“Do you have roommates? Who are they?” <ref name="rf7">https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-practice/201305/21-first-date-questions</ref>

#Talk about yourself. Give your date realistic information about yourself, your life, your interests, and your thoughts. Your date is here to get to know you. Don’t dominate the conversation, but do express yourself as you would in typical conversations with friends or potential partners. Find connections between your date and yourself.<ref name="rf3" />

#Practice active listening skills. Make eye contact with your date. Smile. Practice good posture. Nod at what the other person is saying.<ref name="rf8">http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/active-listening.html</ref> Occasionally, summarize what the other person says and show an interest in the other person’s interests.

#Offer to pay or split the bill. Regardless of convention, offer (at the least) to split the bill with your date. Do not choose an activity or restaurant you can’t afford if you end up paying the entire bill.<ref name="rf9">http://stylecaster.com/first-date-advice/</ref> Here are some ways you can approach that awkward moment when the bill arrives:

#Don’t panic during awkward silences. Just because you aren’t talking doesn’t mean a moment is awkward! Feel free to take a few seconds and reflect on what’s happened so far. If you feel that the silence is awkward, have a backup list of open-ended questions (see above) to ask your date. The silence is probably much shorter than you think it is.<ref name="rf10">https://www.babble.com/relationships/5-ways-to-prevent-awkward-silence-during-a-date/</ref>

#Read both yourself and your date for cues about the end of the night. Start thinking about that dreaded end-of-date moment before it actually happens. Do you want a handshake, a hug, a kiss? Read, too, the signals that your date gives you throughout the date. Does your date sit close to you, or do they seem like they’re in a hurry to leave? Whatever happens at the end of the date should be something you’re both comfortable with.<ref name="rf11">http://www.eharmony.com/dating-advice/dating/how-to-end-a-date-gracefully/#.V3_gdZMrKb8</ref>