The Complete Hacks and Tips for a Successful Blind Date

Are you eager to find Mr. or Ms. Right but don’t want to deal with the hassle of dating in today’s society?

Then a blind date might be right for you.

A blind date is a social engagement between two people who have not previously met, usually arranged by a mutual acquaintance. The arrangements can be made, for example, by a mutual friend or acquaintance who contacts one or both of the participants to offer an introduction.

A blind date is often seen as a way to get acquainted with another person in order to decide whether or not you would like that person enough to pursue a deeper relationship. A number of websites now exist that allow people to meet up as strangers.

Just like any other setting, there are some little tricks and tips that will ensure your blind date is a success. Here are some helpful insights on how to make your date a happy one:

1. Location, location, location

If you are planning on living in the city for a while, why not impress your date with something you have already discovered. If this is a one-time thing, it’s probably best to stay local. Going far away would be too much of an inconvenience for someone that might only want to go on a date with you once.

2. Don’t be late

The worst thing that can happen on a blind date is being fashionably late. It gives the wrong impression of what kind of person you are, especially if you were not able to give them an estimated time of arrival. There’s nothing worse than waiting for a complete stranger. Plus, it gives you time to observe your date as they walk towards you.

3. Do your research.

Before your date, take some time to do some research on your date. Find out as much as you can about them, including their interests, hobbies, and what they do for a living. This will help you come up with topics of conversation that you can discuss with them.

4. Come prepared

Make sure you have everything you need before your date. This includes things like money, your phone, and your keys. It’s also a good idea to have a few questions prepared to ask them, so you can get to know them better.

5. Make sure your place is completely safe

Before you meet with the person, make sure your place is prepared for a blind date. Empty all bottles of alcohol because this could lead to drinking and driving if things go south. Also, keep all sharp objects out of reach in case you want to hurt them or they try to hurt you.

If the person insists on coming over before you meet that’s a red flag; do not let him or her in! Also, make sure your pets are secure because if something goes wrong, they could get hurt.

6. Dress to impress

On your date, make sure you dress in something that looks nice. You don’t have to wear anything too fancy or formal, but try not to show up in sweatpants and a T-shirt.

If the person is wearing something casual, you may want to do the same so you are dressed similarly. If they are wearing something more formal, try to dress slightly nicer. Don’t show up to the date in ripped jeans and a dirty shirt. That’s bad form.

7. Don’t be afraid to make the first move

If you want to give your date a hug or kiss them on their cheek, go for it! It’s always better to break outside of your comfort zone and take some chances than simply play it safe and do nothing.

8. Remember the golden rule

The golden rule is something like this: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. In other words, when your date is talking about something, ask questions about it and be interested in what they are saying. If they ask you a question or bring up a topic, answer their questions or tell them about it.

9. Use your manners

On a date, make sure you use good manners. Hold the door open for your date when they walk in front of you through a doorway or into a restaurant, and say please and thank you when asking to do something or thanking the other person for doing something for you.

10. Don’t be critical

You may not like something your date says or does, but it’s a good idea to avoid being judgmental and saying anything negative about them.

11. Don’t exaggerate or lie

You don’t want to sound like you are bragging when on a date, so try not to use superlatives like “never” or “always.” If you have a habit of doing something, admit it and don’t lie about it. For example, if you over-plan everything and can’t let yourself relax during a vacation, say so instead of pretending to be spontaneous.

12. Don’t talk about your ex

Even if your date brings up the topic of past relationships, try to avoid talking too much about your ex. Also, avoid talking about them in a negative way or saying anything bad about them.

13. Choose a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try out

Make sure it has a good ambiance that is conducive for conversation. You don’t want your date to think you are cheap. And while some people do it, it’s not a good idea to order an alcoholic beverage. This is because you don’t want your date to think of you as easy.

14. Leave your phone in the car or at home

When you are on a date, it is appropriate to give someone your undivided attention. Even if there are no plans with anyone else, the fact that you have your phone with you sends mixed messages. You want to show your date that you are interested in them, not the person on the other side of your phone.

15. Be friendly and polite

This is a big one. You want to be friendly, but not too forward. Make sure your date feels comfortable with you by asking questions about their life and interests. The main thing to remember is to be polite. You should always be on your best behavior, just in case you run into someone that knows you or your date.

16. Don’t order anything too messy

You don’t want food all over your face when you first meet your blind date. This can make them think of you as sloppy and unkempt. You want to make a good impression, and this would not accomplish that goal.

17. Don’t order anything too expensive

It’s okay to splurge every now and again, but you don’t want your first date with someone who might be interested in you financially as well as physically. You can always save the fancy dinner for another date.

18. Have fun

If you are on a blind date, chances are it is not going to be life-changing and will probably just be a normal first date with someone you have never met before. So just try to go into it with an open mindset and have a good time.

Your date is probably nervous too, so try to be reassuring by smiling at them or saying something nice. If you are on an app like Tinder, ask them how their day was or some other small question.

19. Don’t talk about controversial subjects

There are many things that shouldn’t be brought up on a first date, including politics, religion, and money. Discussing these things can often create tension and stress in a relationship, so avoid them until you get to know the person better.

20. Bring up your favorite subject: You

If you are struggling for something to talk about, bring up yourself. Tell them about your job or school, what brought you to the city you live in, and what your hobbies and interests are. This will help you learn more about the other person as well.

21. Keep an Open Mind

Before you meet someone for a blind date, it’s important that you keep an open mind about them. It’s possible that your date has nervous energy and may not know how to relax in unplanned social situations.

Assume that this person is interesting until they give you a reason not to. Assigning character traits or assuming that someone is boring will only prevent you from getting to know them and finding out what they’re like as a person.

You may be surprised by the things you learn about your date when you give them a chance, and if their personality doesn’t seem to match who you thought they were, remember that people can change over time.

22. Don’t be afraid to call an end to the date

If at any time during your date you wish it was over, simply tell them that you need to leave. If they ask why, tell them that you have plans later or need to do something. Don’t be impolite in saying this.

If the date has been going well and you feel like staying in, simply suggest another time for the two of you to meet again. If you think they will not want to go out with you again, don’t suggest another date. Just say that you hope they have a good evening and leave it at that.

If everything goes well and the two of you get on well, suggest a time for the next date.

Takeaway

When it comes to dating, be yourself. You want your relationship to grow naturally so you don’t want to mislead them by pretending to be someone you’re not. If they appreciate who you are as a person and like spending time with you, they will come back for more.

If the date goes badly, consider what might have gone wrong so you can avoid making the same mistakes in the future or decide what changes you may need to make.

Make sure you get your date’s number so you don’t have to awkwardly ask them for it via text message. If they are not willing to give their number, that might be a sign that they aren’t interested in seeing you again.

Finally, keep an open mind and have fun. If you don’t think the other person is right for you, move on to someone who will be better suited to you.

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