With over 2/3 of relationships starting online these days, chances are your first date with your future partner will be a blind date. Even if you’ve been getting to know each other through text, phone calls, and possible video calls, it’s still not the same as meeting in person for the very first time, so as much as you may feel like you know someone there’s always room for a little self-doubt.
While you should always be authentic on your first date because the right person appreciates you for who you are, you can still do things to feel like the best version of yourself.
If you have a blind date already on the books or you’ve just downloaded the apps and want to be prepared for when you schedule that first date, keep reading for the best things you can do to feel confident and put your best foot forward.
Be Open, But Don’t Overshare
One of the best things you can do to have a successful blind date is to show up ready to be open about who you are but not overshare. Even if you’ve spent a lot of time getting to know this person, which is, in fact, advised, you still need to find out if they’re the right person to unleash all your secrets to. Additionally, this behavior can seem anxious or nervous, which is off-putting. If you’re a chronic oversharer with people you’re close worth, try and keep things reigned in on this first date.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
When it comes to a blind date, even if you’ve exchanged photos, making sure you’re groomed perfectly and dressed to impress is key. Everything from an outfit that flatters you but is comfortable to a spritz of your favorite fragrance, whether it’s YSL Opium or The One for Men by Dolce & Gabbana. Pay attention to your hygiene and even splurge for a blowout or manicure beforehand.
While looks aren’t everything, being attracted to a potential partner is, and though their personality plays a huge part in your attraction to them, so does their appearance. So, of course, you want to put your best foot forward regarding your own.
Be Clear and Have Boundaries
Before you even download apps, you should know your dating goals, but if you haven’t expressed to your blind date what your intentions are as far as what kind of relationship you’re looking for, be clear about that on the date. You don’t need to bring it up awkwardly, but being transparent is respectful and recognizing that you would want the same from a potential date. In addition, you should also set any important boundaries for yourself; you should set them before the meeting.
You Pick the Spot
When it comes to a blind date, you want to be able to engage one another in conversation and get to know whether the in-person vibes match the app or text vibes. Coming up with a fun date idea is the first step, but you also want to make sure you pick a quiet spot where you can get to know each other. It’s also a good idea to meet in public; even if you feel like you know this person well, it is still your first time meeting, so play it safe and meet in public for your blind date.
Have Fun!
Blind dates can be nerve-wracking, but ensuring that you have a fun time will not only give your day a true impression of who you are, but it’ll make the experience easier on you. Everyone likes to be around people that are fun to be around, and of course, the potential partner must be fun to be around, so relax, be yourself, and try and have fun!
Not every blind date will be with your soulmate, and that’s okay. Walk into the experience with the mindset that you will have a good time no matter what, even if you never see this person again. That way, no matter what happens, it’s still a win.
As mentioned earlier, blind dates don’t have to be a source of stress if you approach them with a positive mindset and try to be yourself and have fun. By utilizing the above tips, you can become a pro at blind dates, whether you’re heading out on your first or your 50th. Good luck in love!
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
