Blind dates used to be the bane of my existence. Every so often, more often than I liked, some well-meaning yenta—which is the Yiddish word for matchmaker—would utter these words: “I have someone who would be perfect for you.”
I’d groan internally but plaster a fake smile on my face, clench my teeth, and wait for the explanation of who they were, what they did for a living, and that they were, of course, single.
Spoiler alert: None of these “perfect for me” men were even in the ballpark of what I considered “perfect” for me. But it was what was done, so that’s what I did! We didn’t have dating apps back then (shut up, I’m Gen X and old), so if you didn’t meet someone on your own, friends and family would play matchmakers.
But now we have dating apps (thank goodness), and you can choose on your own. And since we’re on the subject, aren’t all dates technically blind dates? If you have never met the person before, doesn’t that count as one?
But I digress. Anyway, because of online dating, blind dates have pretty much become the norm and not the exception you made to make your Aunt Trudy leave you alone. The whole idea of not knowing much, or anything, about the person you’re about to meet can either fill you with excitement or dread, depending on your internal chemical makeup. There’s no doubt it makes it interesting! While some might feel nervous, others find this mystery intoxicating, so we are gonna talk all about blind dates and the excitement and uncertainty of the unknown.
What is a Blind Date?
According to Wikipedia, “A blind date is a romantic meeting between two people who have never met before. After a blind date they can decide either they want to be in a relationship or not.”
Whoa, slow down there, Wikipedia! After one date, are you supposed to decide if this is your person? Can’t there be a second or third date before you figure out this stuff?
The idea of a blind date is super simple—you meet up with someone without really knowing them. Like we said above, this could be a classic setup by friends or a match from a dating app. In both cases, the lack of details about the person can cause a sense of anticipation. Will you like them? Will they like you? Will you click? It’s all so mysterious!
Expectations and Reality
Before a blind date, it’s totally normal to feel a mixture of emotions. Although you may have an idea of what the person is like based on a few pictures or messages, the reality can be quite different. This uncertainty is what makes blind dates both exciting and, to be honest, scary as heck.
Tips for a Successful Blind Date
Are you so nervous or excited that you forget how to act on a date? Kidding! But seriously, if you have anxiety about a blind date, follow these tips to make it a more pleasant affair!
- Keep an Open Mind: Avoid having too many preconceptions. The person you meet might be outside your usual preferences, which could be pleasantly surprising.
- Safety First: Always prioritize your safety. Choose a public place for the meeting and inform a friend or family member about your plans.
- First Impressions Matter: Be ready to give your date a fair chance. Nerves can affect both of you, so it’s worth looking beyond the initial interaction.
- Authenticity is Key: It’s important to be yourself. Pretending to be someone you’re not is likely to backfire.
- Prep for Convo: Think of some general topics to discuss, but also be ready for spontaneous conversation.
- Listen and Engage: Show interest in your date’s stories and opinions.
- Stay Positive: Every date, good or bad, is a learning experience and a chance to grow.
Blind Dates as Learning Opportunities
Look, some blind dates are great, and some are downright terrible. But if you look at them as learning opportunities, you can walk away from even the worst date with little more knowledge than you brought to the table!
Even if there is no spark or romantic connection, blind dates are great for learning about yourself and others. They’re a chance to understand your preferences and hone your people skills—think of it as social interaction 101.
The Influence of Dating Apps
Dating apps have made blind dates a common experience, as these platforms connect you with potential dates you would have never met IRL. Even though you can glean a little info and a sense of the person from their dating app profiles, you get to meet the “real” them on a blind date. That’s where the excitement part comes in: who they are is revealed during the actual date. Hopefully, it’s a good reveal!
Safety is the most important part of blind dating, especially when meeting someone from an online platform. Always pick a familiar public place for the date, tell someone where you are and who you are with, and have an exit plan—these are the best safety strategies. See any red flags, or something feels off? Trust your instincts and proceed to the nearest exit.
Stories from Blind Dates
I have some very funny and some no-so-funny blind date stories, but that’s none of your business. Every one of them comes with its own story—they can be funny, awkward, awful, or have a rom-com-like arc. At least you’ll know you have something to talk about during your next girl’s or boy’s night out with your friends, so if the date was a bust, it’s kind of like a consolation prize.
Getting out of your comfort zone is a huge part of blind dating—it’s all about facing the great unknown and being open to new people and experiences. Having an open mindset can lead to unexpected and romantic outcomes!
Blind dates expose you to all different kinds of people, and this new exposure can challenge your preconceived notions and any stereotypes about what you think you want in a partner and broaden your entire perspective on dating. It’s called personal growth, baby!
Communication Skills
Blind dates are an excellent opportunity to sharpen your communication skills. You are going to have to make conversation with someone you’ve just met, even if it’s just polite small talk or chit chat, which can improve those skills, which will level up your ability to connect with future blind dates.
Handling Rejection
Not all blind dates will lead to a second date, and that’s fine. 90% of the time, it’s not you, it’s them—compatibility isn’t something you can make happen. Learning to handle rejection gracefully is a necessary evil in life, especially when it comes to dating and romance. You have to understand that not everyone will be a match, and that’s part of the dating process.
Last Thoughts
Blind dates can be really fun, and you never know—the scary unknown could very well turn out in your favor, and this stranger may be “the one.”
No matter how they turn out, blind dates are a huge part of today’s dating scene. They bring a mix of uncertainty and excitement to the dating experience, and whether one turns into a romance for the ages, a new friendship, a life lesson, or a wild story to tell your friends, each blind date is a stepping stone on the road of personal and romantic discovery. It’s a leap of faith, for sure, but one that could vault you into meeting the love of your life.
