We relationship folk spend a lot of time living vicariously through our single friends.
Sometimes I find myself getting a bit jealous when I hear about those exciting first dates filled with nervous butterflies and romantic optimism. However, more often than not, I end up listening to hilarious tales of bad dates gone awry and thank God those days are behind me for now.
The worst stories are always from the girls who begrudgingly go on blind dates set up by friends, co-workers and, in one case, a well-meaning stranger on a plane.
I have never been on a blind date. Either everyone is under the impression I have no trouble finding my own dates or no one wants to subject someone they care about to an evening with me. Either way, I’m not an expert on the subject.
That being said, I have heard a lot of horror stories. And in the interest of saving my single friends from more matchmaking disasters I thought I’d share a few dos and don’ts for all the prospective blind daters out there.
DO avoid venues that involve finger food
Now, I like a pound of honey garlic wings as much as the next girl, but I also know I tend to resemble a caveman while ravenously gnawing on a saucy drumstick. A romantic date this is not, fellas.
DON’T cyberstalk your date
True blind dating doesn’t really exist in the age of Internet, but that doesn’t mean you need to go overboard with your background check. A simple Google search is acceptable, but quoting her latest Twitter updates and talking about how much you enjoyed her Facebook photo album of a 2005 trip to France is a little over the top.
DO dress like you care
Have you invited her out to a swanky martini bar and shown up in Birkenstocks and a ratty fleece? Congratulations, you’ll be spending your next afternoon hike alone wondering why she never called you back.
DON’T conjure up a cute nickname
If you are one of those people who insist on giving your partner an adorable name this is not the time to invent it.
DO have an open mind
Because, ultimately, what’s the worst that can happen? Chances are you’re going to spend an evening with Mr. or Miss Not Quite Right and end up with a funny story to tell your friends.
