Blind Date
Never seen them before... no problem
By Neal Talbot, All-Star contributor
Updated: 10:42AM, March 17, 2008
It all starts with one sentence. "I have the perfect person for you." Seconds later, you're being offered the blind date. The offer can come from family, friends, co-workers, or the guy in accounting. And while some might slam the phone down or stand frozen in horror, there is no reason to fear the blind date. In fact, it's a great way to meet new people.
Yet blind dates are tricky. The instant someone offers a blind date, you are at a distinct disadvantage. If you're reluctant to agree, you may get one of three different guilt trips. The accusation - you're too picky. The woe is me - I went through all that effort. The age game - you're not getting any younger. Not accepting the date can leave both you and the matchmaker with bruised egos.
But before you agree, understand who is offering the date. Their idea of a great catch might be drastically different than yours. Get some information about your potential date and if they sound interesting enough, give it a try. If it sounds like a major mismatch feel free to politely decline.
Done properly, blind dating is anything but blind. The matchmaker should be able to give you a detailed description of the person and you'll be able to gage their personality over the phone. If all goes well, and they meet your standards, you'll be going into your date well-prepared.
How to land a blind date
Be born. Make friends. Have co-workers. Usually just one of the three will do. People who like and respect you will try to find someone for you if you're single. Everyone likes to play matchmaker. And the more you appear open to dating, the more names they'll throw your way.
Character sketch
Get a rough idea of who they are and what they look like. Ask for a run-down of what the matchmaker knows about whoever they're selling you. Ask for personality traits, physical details, how they met and why they think the two of you are a good match. Find out as much as you can. The more you know, the more informed your final decision will be. If they sound appalling, it will save you from having to reject them in person. And if they sound intriguing, the information you get will help strengthen your conversation.
Phone first
Talk with your potential blind date over the phone. Don't let someone else set everything up and go into the date blind. Call them or have them call you. This will give you a glimpse of their personality. And it will allow you to showcase yours. Use the conversation to feel them out and see if you want to move to the next step. If so, now meeting them in person isn't going to be so nerve-wracking because you've already broken the ice.
Picking up the phone
It all starts with a single phone call. Ensuring the blind date is successful involves a bit of preparation. Whether you're calling or waiting for the phone to ring, it is important to know exactly what's expected of you.
Calling them
Call within a couple days of getting their number. Don't wait too long. You'll look unconfident or too busy. But before you pick up the phone, properly prepare. Know where you want to take them and when you're available to go. If you know a little bit about them, think about some ways to weave that into the conversation.
When you make the call... don't try and disguise the fact you're calling to set up a blind date. Embrace the awkwardness. Announce who you are, your connection to the matchmaker and slide into the conversation. If you try and wing the call, you're setting yourself up for a nasty fall.
Waiting for the call
It's important you do some prep work, not just sit and wait for the call. Think about topics you could talk about. Think of ways to make a connection. Not everyone is going to have a game plan in mind when they call. Appreciate it if they do, but have one prepared to offer if they don't.
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Radmila Gajic / iStockphoto.com
You don't have to go in blind if you've done your homework.
| BLIND DATE TIPS |
| Don’t get defensive |
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Appreciate their effort. The matchmaker has gone out of their way to try and find someone you might like. Sure you can get a date on your own. But use your social network to your advantage. Don’t let your ego prevent you from meeting someone new. Thousands of people have met that special someone on a blind date. You might too. - AttractionAllStars.com |
