While the element of surprise does have its allure, it doesn’t mean that you should be completely unprepared when you go on a blind date.
Whether you’ve been set up by a mutual friend or you’ve matched on an online dating site, when you’re meeting with someone for the first time, all bets are off. Blind dates can lead to something amazing and meaningful, be a complete miss, or one of the many varieties in between. Either way, as a senior, knowing a few tricks and tips about blind dating will go a long way. Here are the most important things to remember before you go on a blind date:
Lower your expectations
This is not to say you should lower your standards. Simply, be open-minded and don’t go into it with unrealistic expectations, such as that you’ll find your perfect match on the first try. If you don’t expect a movie-like experience on your blind date, you’ll have a much higher chance of enjoying it, regardless of the outcome.
Be respectful and polite
It should go without saying, but you need to treat your date the same way you expect them to treat you. That means no standing up your partner, and no walking away in the middle just if you don’t find them attractive or interesting. Unless they’re being rude to you or make you feel uncomfortable, the least you can do is sit through one date.
Don’t try to be someone you’re not
Being true to yourself is the best thing you can do in any situation, but it’s especially true when it comes to dating. Sure, wanting to impress your date is only natural, but it doesn’t mean pretending or lying is the way to do it. Even if you manage to “deceive” your date into liking you, it’s not going to be sustainable in the long run.
Choose the place wisely
For a blind date, it’s best to be cautious, even if you’re being set up by a mutual friend. Public places are an absolute must, but the location should be somewhere you’ll both feel comfortable. It doesn’t have to be a fancy restaurant if you think it puts too much pressure on you or your partner: a coffee shop or a cafe, for instance, are an excellent choice for a casual first meeting.
Don’t let you age define you
Dating, flirting, love life in general: it’s all mostly the same for people of all ages. We all go through similar things, albeit in slightly different ways, but it’s not something you should worry about.Unless you’re going out someone who’s much younger or older than you, age won’t mean a thing when it comes to blind dating.
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