Blind Date Survival Guide
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Ahh, the infamous blind date. Many of us find this to be the most nerve-wracking, not to mention the most hated of all dates.
For those of you who have done this before, it doesn't have to be so bad. For those of you who have never before had the chance to tread in such unchartered waters, don't be so afraid, it is possible to come out alive. It may actually be a pleasant experience allowing you to reap many rewards.
The next time your friend utters that commonly dreaded phrase: "I have the perfect person to set you up with," don't head straight for the hills. Here is the ultimate guide to not only surviving a blind date, but coming out a champ.
pre-date preparation
1) Do not have expectationsI know this one is difficult to avoid, but expectations can lead to major disappointments or feelings of shock, both of which can ruin the date and throw you off kilter. Don't expect to meet the woman of your dreams, but don't expect to meet quasimodo either. It's easy to start conjuring up images in your mind of the other person, but it's safer to just expect a pleasant companion.
2) Prepare for it mentally
Prepare for the date by telling yourself that this is just a night out and that whatever happens, meeting new people is always great and refreshing. Refusing to go on a blind date just ends up limiting your options.
Worst case scenario: the two of you end up becoming good friends... if you end off on good terms, that is, but we'll get to that later.
calling her up
When you call her before the date, introduce yourself as the matchmaker's friend. You're better off if the matchmaker told her that you'd be calling, that way she'll expect your call, will know who you are, and won't think that you're a telemarketer trying to get her to buy a new rubber mattress.When you call her, ask her what she enjoys doing, and have some suggestions on hand so that it looks like you've given it some thought. You don't want to come across as the type who just says, "Let's just do whatever you want to do". Although it's good to sound like you're willing to cater, you don't want to sound passive.
Possible activities
As for what to suggest, the best thing to do on a blind date is something active and hands-on — but I'm talking about outdoor activities, not bedroom ones.
Suggest going ice skating, in-line skating, golfing or mini golfing — anything which requires the two of you to get involved with each other and some sporadic physical contact, to test if there is any attraction going on. With an involving activity planned, you don't need to worry about making conversation, relieving you of another one of the stressors of dating. See what interests her, and take it from there.
Suggest lunch or dinner afterwards (depending on the time of the date) and ask her what food she likes so that you can make reservations somewhere. You're better off making reservations rather than winging it during the date, since waiting in line for an hour and a half at a restaurant can really put a damper on an evening and spoil the mood. You'll also get points for taking initiative.
And now, on to the date...