Should you blind date?

Provided By: Jawhara Arabia

By: Lizzie Cernik

If you ever watched UK television in the 1990s, it was hard to miss Cilla Black’s Saturday night dating show ‘Blind Date’. Setting up total strangers through a series of questions rather than a face to face meeting, contestants were sent on dates which were discussed live on air the following week.

With the arrival of new reality shows and internet dating, the traditional blind date seems outdated in 2012. But if you’re stuck in a dating rut or can’t meet anyone new, it could be a good way to spice up your love life. (Or at least give you a funny story to tell next time you’re out with the girls.)

What are the pros and cons?

Pros:

Meeting someone new
When you’re single, it’s easy to start hanging out with the same friends in the same social circles. A blind date gives you the option to meet someone completely new and means you can break away from your usual ‘type’.

It’s exciting
For those that like an exciting dating life, trying out a blind date could be a great option. Even if it all goes horribly wrong, you can just chalk it up to experience and spend next Friday telling your girlfriends all about it.

Cons:

You might have nothing to talk about
Unlike an internet date, where you’ve been chatting before you meet, blind dates leave your compatibility completely in the hands of fate. Even if a friend has set you up or suggested you’d get on really well, there’s still the possibility of long silences and awkward pauses.

It’s not good for shy people
Unless you’re really outgoing, a blind date would be more nerve wracking than reading out your essay in school assembly. If it’s not for you, don’t feel you need to go just because your friends are twisting your arm. Stick to your guns and find your next date by more conventional methods.

How to survive your blind date
If you’ve bitten the bullet and decided to go for it, here’s a few tips on how to play it.

1. It may be easier said than done, but it’s important to stay relaxed. If you’re jittering like you’ve just downed 26 espressos, chances are your date will think you’re a bit odd. And after all, it’s only a bit of fun not a marriage proposal.
2. Even if he looks like Quasimodo’s ugly twin, you can’t stand him up when you catch a glimpse. If you really don’t fancy him just be polite and friendly. You never know, he may have a personality so sparkling he’ll win you over.
3. If you’re interested, be sure to ask him plenty of questions and be an engaging date. He’ll appreciate that you’re making the effort to get to know him, despite the potentially awkward situation. Just don’t take it too far or he’ll feel like he’s on a date with a quiz show host.
4. If the date’s not going well or you have nothing in common, find an excuse to politely excuse yourself. It may seem cruel but it’s better than leading him a merry dance.