Blind leading the blind...

Blind dating is tough. For most people, the whole idea of meeting a stranger with “dating” potential is about as appealing as having your toenails pulled out with a pair of pliers. There are many of us who have been set up with someone who your friend thinks is “fantastic”. Mr. Fantastic is usually gay (“but you said you liked musical theater…so does he!”), married (“he said he was divorced!”) or just downright creepy. At least that’s my experience. See, our married friends don’t usually look into the details of the prospective date. They see a nice guy who has a job and combs his hair (if he has any) and figures that’s all we single gals need to know. Now, for you guys out there, you probably think I am being biased, but I know you have the same problems too. The women you meet on blind dates probably fall into these two categories: unattractive or desperate to be married. If after your initial meeting you’re not running for the door because her ass is too big, she drops the bomb on you that she is ready for marriage and kids…yesterday. A little too much information when you can’t even remember her last name. Believe me, I feel for you.

So how do we, men and women, bite the bullet as they say and take a blind leap of faith (pun intended)? Here are some tips to make that blind date a little less awkward…

1. Accept all dates. It’s tough, but you have to get out there. Mr. or Ms. Right is not going to come knocking on your door, unless they are the UPS delivery person. And when that happens, you’re usually in your pajamas and let’s face it…that ain’t pretty.

2. Don’t cancel. Unless there is a dire emergency, try not to cancel on BD (blind date). There is enough anxiety before a blind date without giving BD reason to think you are canceling because you don’t want to go out with them.

3. Skip dinner. Don’t plan an elaborate evening. Meeting for coffee or drinks is sufficient. You always have the option to go out for dinner afterwards if you are really hitting it off. You don’t want to be eating your salad and staring across the table thinking, “I have two more hours of this?”

4. Go easy on the hooch. You only have one chance to make a first impression. And I’m guessing that standing on the bar in your underwear singing “I Will Survive” is not the impression you want to make.

5. Don’t be interesting; be interested. I know you’ll want to share your thoughts on world politics and enlighten BD about your trip down the Amazon. But nothing is more frustrating than a date who is all wrapped up in him/her self. And nothing is more attractive than someone who listens to what you have to say and wants to contribute to the conversation.

6. Don’t bring up the past. When you are meeting someone for the first time, here are some “safe” subjects you can talk about: movies, sports, music, history and travel. Some subjects to avoid: past relationships. You’re not going to score any points telling BD how you can’t understand why that bitch left you. BD doesn’t care. Trust me.

7. Choose a neutral location. Don’t pick a place where everybody knows your name and yells “Norm!” when you walk through the door (providing Norm is your name). You may feel like it will take the pressure off you, but it puts a hell of a lot more pressure on BD. Now, not only are they trying to impress you, but also your ten friends who you have now invited over to the table to join you.

8. Be sincere. We all have a tendency to exaggerate (ahem). But you are not doing anyone a favor if everything that comes out of your mouth is a tall tale. Of course you want to impress BD. But sooner or later if all goes well, she’s gonna want to see that Lear Jet you’ve been talking so much about.

9. Don’t give false hope. We have all been guilty at one time or another of saying we’ll call. When we know we won’t. Give BD a little more credit. If you haven’t made a connection, that’s okay. Simply thank BD for a nice evening, say goodbye and call it a night. You’re being honest and BD will appreciate it. BD will not appreciate you taking BD’s number, saying you had a great time and promising to call...and then you don't.

10. Relax. It’s tough. I know it. You have all these expectations. You hate this whole “dating” thing. But remember: BD is just as nervous as you are. Possibly more so. So don’t sweat it. Just be yourself and have a good time. Who knows, a future BD may turn out to be TO (the one).

Any more advice? Post your comments!