How to Have a Good Blind Date

Discovering how to have a good blind date is as simple as taking a page from the playbook of introductory college psychology⁽¹⁾. A 2009 Psychology 101 exam asks “which of the following situations would likely cause you to be the most attracted to your blind date?” Choices include the standard dinner and movie plans but also the somewhat more daring idea of going bungee jumping. 

Psychologists studying how to have a good blind date--and connect with a potential mate–found out that it is as simple as taking controlled risks and getting the adrenaline pumping. What does this mean for the average Joe? 

1. It may be blind, but it doesn’t have to be mute. Figure out how to have a good blind date by calling her on the phone ahead of time. Let the matchmaking aunt or buddy know, so she (or he) can pave the way for the call. Contact the lady in question a few days before the date and find out what she likes to do; this first conversation also offers a great initial insight into her personality, which comes in handy when planning activities.
2. Plan the outing and have backup plans in place. Assuming the phone conversation went well and there appears to be some mutual interest in pursuing the outing with an eye on possible further developments, take control of planning the activities as much as possible. Being in the driver’s seat—while taking her interests and aversions into consideration—greatly enhances the odds of having a great blind date.
3. How to have a good blind date is directly related to the amount of adrenaline the activities elicit. As outlined before, controlled risk-taking sets into motion biochemical processes that enhance the psychological aspect of attraction. While bungee jumping is not everyone’s cup of tea, ice skating, a behind the scenes tour at the local shark exhibit or even a racquet ball match have the potential to accomplish this goal.
4. Be flexible and have a backup plan ready. She might chicken out at the last minute or be self-conscious about ice skating or any other physical activity. Take it in good humor and remember that it is still possible to have a good blind date even if the first plan falls through.
5. Evaluate the flow of conversation. Even as the majority of angst builds up over how to have a good blind date from the get-go, conversation either ebbs or flows. If it’s ebbing, talk about the activity at hand and share some interesting anecdotes from the past that relate to it. If it flows, the date is a success.

At the end of the night, be polite. Announce a personal interest in a second date by complimenting her, the date that just ended and also state how the matchmaker was right on the money with the setup. If she’s interested, she’ll agree. If the blind date was a dud, be kind but firm in stating that she was good company and then wish her a good night. 

Tip

Do not promise a phone call if there is little interest in a repeat of the date. Learning how to have a good blind date also means discovering how to end it well.

References:

Psych 101