Two Day Magazine

Be Prepared for Your Big Night Out...

Ever gone out to a party with friends or a family function and been bombarded with the “blind-date set up?” You know the drill. There you are, drink in hand, having a pleasant enough conversation with a friend you rarely see or a family member who you never talk to outside of funerals and weddings, and of course, they want to set you up. It usually goes something like this:

“Are you seeing anyone?”

“No, not really.”

“Oh! I have the perfect person for you! He/She is an astronaut/circus performer and you would be perfect together! Can I give him/her your number? They should be back from outer space/the circus really soon!”

“Um, sure. I guess that would be okay.”

“Great, I will have them call you! This is so exciting! Maybe the next wedding we will be at will FINALLY be yours!”

Blind dates are a scary prospect. The idea of making plans with a total stranger who could be a serial killer, or worse, a BP executive, is unnerving. People assume that even though they don’t know you very well, they know exactly what you are looking for and are the perfect person to set you up. These dates can become very awkward very quickly, especially if the other person is as nervous as you are. Here are some helpful ways to survive the stress of blind dating:

Have NO Expectations.

Even if your friend informs you that this person looks like David Beckham or Halle Berry (hey, your choice), you can’t walk into a situation assuming that they are right. Or even close to right. Everyone’s definition of “hotness” is different, so take their comments with a grain of salt. If you refrain from putting pressure on yourself and the evening, you will subsequently enjoy the moment more.

Dress to Impress.

Because you don’t know who will be sitting at the table across from you, you want to be comfortable. Dress how you would for a “regular” date. Guys can look polished and stylish. Don’t be afraid to shave, wear a nice outfit and get a haircut (if needed). Gals can wear whatever makes them feel beautiful and special. Subtle (or no) make-up allows your own natural beauty shine through, so don’t cake it on. Enjoying the evening starts with feeling good, so respect yourself and your date by putting some effort into your appearance. Showing pride in yourself will only project confidence, which is very sexy.

Escape Plan.

Make sure you arrive separately to the location you both picked to meet at. You don’t know this person and they don’t know you. Hopefully, you will have a grand time, but in case you don’t, you don’t want to rely on them for a way home or vise versa. Having your own ride is important because it establishes boundaries and allows you to leave whenever you feel the time is right. Tell a friend or family member where you are planning on going, as well. Even if the night doesn’t work out as planned, maybe they could meet you and you could grab a late dinner and dish about the evening.

Conversation.

In terms of Do’s and Don’ts for first date conversation, there are plenty of topics to cover (or avoid). However, the most important thing to remember is keep it light and fun. Discussing dark or depressing topics may scare your date away (unless that’s what you’re going for), so keeping things upbeat and lighthearted will steer the energy of the night in that direction.

Have On Hand...

• For men: Make sure you have cash, a credit/debit card (for emergencies), your cell phone, breath mints, Driver’s License/I.D. (in case you get carded) and condoms.

• For women: Make sure you have cash, a credit/debit card, your cell phone, breath mints, Driver’s License/I.D., hand mirror (in case you feel like touching up your make-up or checking for food in your teeth), condoms and/or another form of birth control.

I am not suggesting that you are going to sleep with this person you have just met, or that you should, but these things happen. Always engage in safe sex. Both men and women should always carry protection with them. Never put your health in someone else’s hands. The rest may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised how frazzled a blind date can make someone. It’s easy to forget the essentials.

A blind date can be a very exciting and exhilarating experience. There is something very seductive about the idea of meeting someone for the first time. Enjoy all of life’s different experiences and have fun with dating. If you click, that’s great. If you don’t, that’s okay, too. Chalk it up to experience and move on. At the end of the day, life is about making memories. Create some magical ones and some that you can laugh about years later. Happy Hunting!