Blind Date
continued...
First conversation
Try to keep it simple and quick. Discuss whoever set you up, plan the date, find a common time, exchange pleasantries and get off the phone. Keep it light, fun and short. Try to be on the phone with them for no more than ten minutes.
Once you've established your personality, save the bulk of the conversation for when you meet in person. It's important to leave them wanting more. All you do by staying on the phone is increase the chance you'll say something that will cost you the date.
PRE-DATE PLANNER
Blind date don't bland date
Pick something fun to do. People go on dates to meet someone new... and add some excitement into their lives. So make sure your dates are active and fun. Avoid sitting at a table when you can grab a coffee and walk through the park. Add the elements of motion and unpredictability.
Because you have not yet met face-to-face to test your physical attraction levels, try to find an activity that requires at least sporadic physical contact. It is important to break the 'touch barrier' as quickly as possible. The quicker you remove any physical awkwardness, the better the date will be.
Keep it short
Like all first dates, the key is to keep it entertaining and short; with the chance for it to last longer if things are going well. If you haven't locked yourself into a time frame and things are going poorly, it's far easier to excuse yourself.
Agree to meet for coffee and you can leave after fifteen minutes if things turn bad, agree to dinner and you're going to be sitting there for over an hour. So play it smart and keep it short.
Leave your expectations at home
If someone has gotten rave reviews from the matchmaker and seems amazing on the phone, don't get too excited until you've met them in person. It can cause you to place too much pressure on yourself or set unrealistic expectations they can't live up to. Keep a level head and an open mind.
If you don't want the date, don't make it
Don't act as if you're doing the matchmaker a favor. If you act like you'd prefer to be at the dentist for a root canal than out on the date - don't go. Those negative vibes are easy to pick up and are likely to ruin the date anyway. Don't waste your time or theirs if you're not interested.
Date safe
Keep yourself as safe as possible. When chatting over the phone never give out any financial data, your address or any number but your cell phone (if possible). When meeting for the first time, always meet in a public space and find your own transportation there. Odds are, nothing bad will happen, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
ON THE DATE
Be on time
Timing is everything - so be on time. There's no such thing as 'fashionably late' on a blind date. It's awkward enough without them worrying about whether or not you're going to show up. Arrive within a couple minutes of the scheduled time or they may leave, believing you've stood them up. If you're running a couple minutes late, give them a call to calm their nerves.
Dress appropriately
Too many singles are wearing the wrong clothes to a blind date. The most common mistake is dressing far too casual. It's always best to dress up for a date. Casual for men should be jeans, matching dress belt and shoes, a dress shirt and/or blazer. For women it should be a colorful top, dress shoes and a mid-length dress.
Both men and women should avoid showing too much skin on a blind date. Men should not show up in a sleeveless t-shirt or with more than their top two shirt buttons undone, no matter how hot it is. For women this means less cleavage and lower hemlines. Attract your blind date with your mind, not just your body.
Don't be a schizophrenic
Be the same person you were on the phone. If you were calm and cool on the phone and ultra-energetic in person, it will immediately set off alarm bells. If you're different in person, than on the phone, the person is going to question your sincerity. Make sure the real you shines through in every situation.
Avoid foot-in-mouth syndrome
Never say they are, 'nothing like what you expected.' This can be taken as an insult, even if it's meant as flattery. Not only is the statement clichéd, it can mean anything and leave you clamoring to clarify. Check out the All-Stars conversation section for everything you need to have an amazing interaction.
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You won't have to keep your fingers crossed if you plan ahead.
| BLIND DATE TIPS |
| Bad can be good |
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If the date goes horribly, you'll have a great story to tell about your 'date from hell.' If your date talks faster than a hummingbird on speed, shows up wearing a wedding ring, or farts continuously, you're going to get great mileage out of that story. Nothing entertains other singles like disastrous date stories. - allstardatingtips.com |
