Pros and Cons of Going on Blind Dates

Blind date. Two of the most feared words in the English language. Why? Because they represent one of the most feared encounters in the human experience. I don’t know about you, but just hearing the words make me shudder. Of course, so do the words “the gym” and “fat free,” but I endure the pain that comes with both. Why should blind dates be any different?

Before I hop up on my soapbox and make my case for blind dates and how they aren’t so terrible after all, let’s get clear about what a blind date is. Many people believe that when you meet someone on the Internet and go on a date with them, that is a blind date. This is simply not true. When you know what someone looks like and have communicated with them extensively either by phone or through online chats, you aren’t going in blind when you finally meet them. You already have a significant amount of information about the guy, most specifically what he looks like.

It has been said that the term “blind date” got its name because you are wearing a proverbial blindfold until you actually see the guy face to face. When you get set up with someone through a friend, meet him for drinks, dinner or coffee and have no clue what you’re getting yourself into, that is a blind date.

First dates bring with them complications all their own, but blind dates make the first date all the more, well, complicated. Typically, a man and woman go on a blind date upon the urging of some well-meaning friend. You agree, he agrees and before you know it, the two of you have been set up on a blind date. Usually, the date is preceded by a phone conversation and you two agree to meet at some public place and describe what you’ll be wearing so you can recognize one another.

“The next time you get invited to

go on a blind date, go for it.”

Blind dates usually go one of two ways. You will either have an amazing time, or you will be mortified the entire evening, counting the seconds until you can get away. There never seems to be a middle ground in these situations. This is true of every first date, and blind dates are no different. When you leave the house in your fabulous new outfit, carrying your most fashionable handbag and looking like the gorgeous goddess that you are, you hope for the best, but you know you’re taking a gamble.

The good news is, you could show up and then (wham!) love at first sight. You see him, he sees you, the stars align and destiny takes shape. Finally, after years of searching, you have met your soul mate. People assume blind dates are automatically going to suck and that the guy is going to be some hideous looking monster, but this is not always the case. You are just as likely to meet an incredibly handsome, successful, smart, funny guy on a blind date as you are on any other kind of date.

The bad news is, you could show up, spot him across the room and throw up in your mouth a little. At this point, you have a choice. Go over to the table, sit down and make the best of it, or head for the hills and never look back. Keep in mind that he might freak out when he sees you because he realizes you’re too beautiful for him and he doesn’t stand a chance, at which point, he will head for the hills.

So, essentially, the worst thing that can come from a blind date is that you have terrible time with someone you know isn’t right for you or you get stood up. The best thing that could happen is that you meet someone who is genuine husband material and have a great time or, at least, gain a new guy friend. Admit it, you were going to spend another Friday night in your pajamas watching “Desperate Housewives” reruns anyway, so what have you really sacrificed? The next time you get invited to go on a blind date, go for it. Take a chance and see what happens. It could be love!