Sad and Empty

Before agreeing to a blind date, make sure you have read these basic guidelines on blind dating, so you would feel both safe and confident.

Are you at that stage in your single life where everyone – your parents, your brothers and sisters, your officemates, even your grandmotherly neighbor – has been bugging you to meet up with this cute guy they know, believing that you two would totally hit it off?

And are you seriously thinking about going out with him, but are simply too scared of going on a blind date? Fear no more! The ultimate crash course on blind dating is here! Just follow these simple blind dating rules, so you can enjoy that date everyone (including you!) has been dreaming about.

Safety first. Though he may have been “recommended” by your closest friend, fact is, you’re meeting a stranger. So take the necessary precautions. Have your first date in a public place; a restaurant or coffee shop would be best. Bring your own car if you can, so that you don’t have to hop into his (reserve that for the second date). But if he’s picking you up, have a family member or your neighbor meet him. Have that family member or neighbor note his plate number and clothing details. This way, they’ll know what to look for, in case something wrong happens. Also, bring a small pepper spray. But it’s important to keep these steps discreet, so as not to insult your date.

Dress appropriately. Know beforehand where you’re going. There’s nothing worse than being self-conscious throughout your date because your wearing shirt and jeans at a formal dinner, or a cocktail dress to a movie.

Look, smell and feel good. Knowing that you look (and smell) your best will naturally make you feel confident about yourself. So put on that prettiest blush, and spray on your favorite perfume.

Keep the conversation light. Ask questions. Keep the topics of your conversation light. Talk about your hobbies, pets, or vacation spots. Avoid ranting about your boss or that wicked officemate. Don’t get into the technicalities of your job, unless he really presses on the topic. Also, avoid reminiscing past relationships. Skip such comments as “Your shirt reminds me of my last boyfriend. He had the exact same one”. While it’s good to open up and share things about yourself, let your date talk, too. Ask questions. Listen to his stories. Comment. Let him know that you’re interested in getting to know him.

Offer to pay your share. Traditionally, guys pay for the date. However, modern feminist thinking might call for the splitting of the bill. So at least, offer to pay for your half.

Be clear with good-byes. Be clear if you’re looking forward to a second romantic date, or if you just want to be friends. If sparks didn’t fly, that’s alright. Just make sure he knows where you two are headed – Platonic Avenue or Romance Boulevard.

Have fun. Enjoy your date, no matter how dorky or weird your guy turns out to be. Set your judgments aside. No matter what happens, let this date be a date that you’d enjoy looking back at.