Make Your Blind Date Enjoyable
With a Little Prep Work

• Stop turning down those blind dates.  You are missing out.  And you just might be missing out meeting that special someone.

• If you chat with him/her prior to the date, don't spend too much time on the phone.

• It's better to have a brief, 5-to-10-minute conversation just enough to create a foundation so you will feel comfortable on the actual date. Plus...you don't want to rehash "old news" on your first date.

• Do go for out for drinks or coffee instead of dinner. Drinks are much less pressure.

• Dinner can feel daunting for a blind date because you have to make it through the entire meal before you can leave, whereas drinks can be brought to a close at any point.

• Don't ask around about the person you are going out with.

• You are much better off going on the date and evaluating the person on your own than digging for gossip and other people’s opinions.

• Don't choose a place for the date where you know too many people or that is too trendy.

• It is better to choose a quiet place where the two of you can have a nice conversation and focus on getting to know each other.

• Wear something that you feel comfortable and confident in.

• Your blind-date does not need to be too fancy; it's better to pick something that you believe you look terrific in so you’ll feel good about yourself.

• You should turn your cell phone off when you arrive at the date.

• If you need to answer it for one very important call, you should tell your date this at the start of the date so that he or she won’t think you're being rude.

• Prepare for the date by telling yourself that this is just a night out and no matter what happens, meeting new people is always great and refreshing.

• See the advice in the first dates section.  A good idea may include something physical, such as going ice skating, in-line skating, golfing or mini golfing...anything which requires the two of you to get involved with each other and some sporadic physical contact.

• Greet her/him with a smile and a warm, friendly greeting. Don't act as if you're doing the person a favor...and you'd rather be cleaning out your gutters.

• These vibes are pretty easy to pick up and are likely to ruin the night altogether.

• If you can't think of anything to say, bring up the matchmaker (person who introduced you), ask her how long they've known each other.

• Remember, the two of you do have common ground, the person that set you up. So use that to your advantage.

• Under no circumstance should you bad mouth or say anything negative about the matchmaker.

• If you're really struggling for conversation topics during the blind date, just talk about whatever the two of you are doing together on the date and relate it to your past.

• First impressions count for a lot, so bringing a two for one coupon on your first date is a major turnoff.

• This is your first day or night out together, and it may be your only shot to make a great impression.