We all know what a blind date is, or do we? Does it exist in this day and age? Is antiquated or still relative? Let us take a closer look shall we.
The usual blind date definition is someone sets you up, usually you don’t know how they look like, and you are going by your friends description only. In reality you are going in blind to this date, hoping for the worst, expecting the worst, and most likely you would be happy falling it somewhere in between. I suggest in this day and age of dating apps, that even if you see the person on their photos, you are coming in for a blind date. As we all know, people are notorious for changing their photo and photo shopping the hell out of them. So much so, you wonder who is this person sitting in front of me!
There are numerous horror stories of this happening on countless dates, even to the point, they Photoshopped so much the person is the wrong gender or sex to begin with! No one likes being tricked or deceived, since looks play a very large part in our attraction to someone. Yes, you may have the worlds greatest personality, but if you look like someone hit you with a shovel, you are not going to get far. The first pre date rule here for a blind date is do not change your photos drastically. Yes, you look like a young Tom Cruise with Photoshop but that helps no one in the end, especially you. You want your date not to be disappointed on first site of you. This is a hard rule. Keep expectations low. You always want to over achieve or be a pleasant surprise not the exact opposite.
Next, if your friends are setting you up, make sure you can pad your story a little bit, like a glorified resume, however, keep expectations and the truth to a reasonable standard. If you are a dog groomer, don’t tell them through the grapevine that you are a world renowned surgeon. Also, about your physical characteristics - everyone it seems lies here. Try to be as honest as possible. If you are fat, say a bit overweight. If you have curves to high heaven, don’t say thin. This list can go on and on. Impressing your date. Do not - repeat - do not make things up before your date. I am a Rockefeller, or I come from rap money. Sooner or later you will get burned, it is a guarantee to happen. The only question is when and under what circumstances. This can also be tricky for the female side. Some women have children and are scared to come out and say. Best to be upfront and see where the date goes. No use getting your hopes up, and you find out this the other persons red flag. Their is enough red flags in the dating world without hiding them, and then they become even worse.
How to have a good Blind Date
Make sure you dress to impress. Spend some time going over your outfit to make sure you make a good impression. It used to be that men were the ones to be worried about, but it has evened out before. The rule here is, keep it simple, keep it non flashy, and keep neon colours in the closet where they belong. For men, dress your age. Nothing worse than an older guy wearing jeans or tattoo sleeves or god forbid multiple earrings. By trying to be hip, you are actually not hip. Stick to your age group, do what you dress best in, and stick to the tried and true principles that got you hear.
Well, what happens if you have horrible style. Easy enough. Go to a website of your favourite designer or favourite clothing store (this does not include sporting apparel unless you are going on a hike or work out). Whatever you see on that main page, simply copy it - both in style and colour. You cannot go wrong then since someone paid a stylist good money for their models to represent the brand well. One last piece of advice for the men - no eagles or flags on your chest unless you are going to a honky tonk country bar. Then, you may have a shot.
Positive
I always hated the word positive at times. Be positive. One immediately things of a fake smile and fake sincerity. That is understandable. A better way to put it is, don’t be be sour, dour, or melancholy on your blind date. Keep your troubles at home, no matter how large they are. You have a mission or goal here - that is to have a nice enjoyable evening. If you do that, then you let the chips land wherever they may be, since you did your job. One way to do that job, is to be in a good mood, sincere, and polite. Using those cornerstones you will definitely increase your chances for a good blind date.
Drinks
There is nothing wrong with having a drink or two with your meal. We are not the Amish. However, like everything, success comes in moderation. No one wants the town drunk spilling their secrets, hidden kinks, and god forbid anything else that comes out of the closet - politics! Keep these things for date two (tongue in cheek).
When drinking, politics and personal beliefs like religion can be a killer on a blind date, or any date for that matter. No one wants to hear a woke person going on and on about the plight of mice in Australia, when their date is a card carrying member of the NRA. Opposites in politics rarely match or occur in life and love. So, keep the alcohol to a tolerable level. Yes, most people say alcohol loosens them up, they become more of themselves, and therefore thy believe they will have greater success on the date. That rarely happens. So, play the odds, which is always a good thing, keep your drinks to a safe level and have a good time.
CONCLUSION
Depending on your information, it will always be a hit and miss situation. For those who are not risk averse, and want to have a bit of fun and muster, a blind date is always a viable option.