Let’s be honest, sometimes we need a little extra help when it comes to dating –– and that’s OK! Being set up on a blind date by a trusted friend or family member can certainly be a good thing.

Last fall, I set my friend up on a blind date with a guy who I met and immediately thought would be perfect for her.

Couples on a blind date do not know each other and have been set up by a mutual friend or third party.

After much convincing, she ended up going on the blind date and thanking me afterward, claiming that it was the best date she’d been on for a while. Now the two are thriving in their relationship, and I have two cool people to join me and my boyfriend for double dates. 

Blind dates don’t always end up as a horror story, but it’s important to know that happily ever afters aren’t always the case either. Learning the nuances of blind dates can help you gain a better perspective on whether you should give it a try — or stick to dating apps.

The purpose of this article is to explore the relevance and appeal of blind dates in today’s dating landscape. 

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Definition & Context

Are blind dates useful in today’s world? I would argue they can be very helpful to certain types of singles. Trying to determine if a blind date could work out in your favor starts with understanding what a blind date is. 

43% Of Adults Have Been On a Blind Date

A blind date is a meeting between two single people who are looking for romance and have been set up by a third party or parties. 

It’s not uncommon for people to go on a blind date. A study by DatingAdvice.com revealed that 43% of adults have been on a blind date at least once in the United States. And most of the blind dates stem from two people meeting because of a mutual connection. 

What is a Blind Date?

As I mentioned earlier, blind dates are essentially when someone goes on a date with an unknown partner that is set up by a third party. Typically these dates are set up by a friend or family member, but blind dates can also be set up by matchmakers, religious leaders, or even online. 

The Evolution of Blind Dates

What we know as a blind date today is vastly different from what it was back in the day. During and before the 18th century, people would participate in arranged marriages. Parents would wed their daughters and sons off to someone who they considered could elevate the family lineage.

Photo of a 1930s couple kissing on their wedding day
People have been going on blind dates since before the 18th century.

While arranged marriages’ primary purpose wasn’t for people to fall in love, some relationships did form genuine connections over time. The blind dating concept has evolved, and now modern setups aim to help people find a partner to fall in love with. 

But blind dating may look different for different cultures. American culture may use blind dating to find romantic relationships and hookups. Whereas in India, dating is a community effort, and arranged marriages still exist. 

Why Blind Dates Remain Popular

Thanks to advanced technology, there are so many resources online that help singles meet new people. However, blind dating will always remain a popular resource because people value offline interactions. Gen Zers are increasingly interested in getting offline and meeting people through mutual friends. 

Online Dating Burnout

Online dating burnout is a real thing that singles often come across when they feel like they’ve been on too many failed dates.

Tired of Swiping? Take a Break From Online Dating

Hopping around from dating app to dating app can feel exhausting when you’re trying to figure out which platform is best for you. That’s why blind dates are a great alternative to digital swiping.

Benefits of Blind Dating

People still participate in blind dates because they come with their fair share of benefits. Blind dates encourage genuine connections and conversations. Blind dates eliminate preconceived notions and make room for people to show up on a date without any expectations. 

As a result, daters feel less pressure when they’ve been set up with a stranger. And they have to added confidence and accountability of knowing someone they trust suggested and arranged this meetup.

Overcoming Challenges

Blind dates come with certain challenges such as navigating awkward social dynamics, mismatched expectations, anxiety, and fear of the unknown. But these can be overcome with a little forethought, some self-care, and a whole lot of experience.

I’ve seen over and over in the dating world that the best way to get over the anxiety of meeting strangers on dates is to — you guessed it — meet a ton strangers on dates and see that it’s actually not that bad.

Hone Your Social And Flirting Skills On Blind Dates

Facing the dating scene alone can be challenging in itself. That’s why I advise singles to find and lean on a support system to help them. Maybe the person who set you up can give you some pointers. Or perhaps a dating coach can give you the pep talk you need. 

Tips for a Successful Blind Date

Not every date you go on is going to be successful — but there are some things you can do to tip the odds in your favor. Here are my tips for making the best of a blind date situation.

  1. Set Realistic Expectations

While you’re preparing for your blind date, try to set realistic expectations. A lot of people set themselves up for disappointment when they set unrealistic expectations. Keep in mind that no one is perfect and everyone has flaws. 

But what expectations can I look for? You can expect things such as respect, good conversation, and a real chance at getting to know someone. If you feel like you’re not getting any of this, you can leave knowing you gave the date a fair chance. 

  1. Choose a Casual Setting

Meeting up with someone for the first time is always best in a public place. Consider choosing a casual setting such as a coffee shop or diner. Casual settings help create a better vibe to get to know your date. 

Coffee dates are a casual, low-pressure way to determine compatibility before committing to a more formal dinner date.

Safety should always be a main priority for a blind date. A place that is too personal or private can make you feel uncomfortable, especially if it turns out that you’re not feeling the date. And picking a high-class restaurant may not be the best place to chat without feeling all the pressure of the environment. 

  1. Get As Much Info Beforehand As Possible

There’s nothing wrong with turning into an investigator before any date. So ask the person who organized the blind date as many questions as you need to feel comfortable before going on the blind date. 

Leave room for getting to know your date during the meetup, but it’s OK to be inquisitive. More information about a date will help ease your nerves and mind. 

  1. Prepare Some Icebreaker Questions

I like to think you can never be too prepared for any situation, including blind dates. Preparing some icebreaker questions can help keep the conversation flowing and entertaining.

The best icebreaker is a genuine question. You don't need a witty pickup line.

Some great icebreaker questions are: “What are your hobbies?” and “What is your family like?” Icebreakers help break the ice and allow you to get to know your date on a surface or deeper level –– the choice is yours. 

  1. Have an Exit Strategy

Having an exit strategy isn’t recommended but is required. With blind dates, you never know what you’re getting yourself into. Keeping in mind that your comfort and safety are a main priority is key to remember. 

Have an exit strategy if you're not having a good time on your date.

People will continue a date for the sake of wanting to be nice, but if it comes to a point where you feel extremely uncomfortable or unsafe, then it’s best to remove yourself. Different exit strategies include saying an emergency came up for a family member or at home or you’re needed for work. 

You must find separate transportation to blind dates just in case you do have to use your exit strategy. 

  1. Be Clear If You Want a Second Date

Playing it cool isn’t cool at all. It can come across to your date that you’re not that interested and didn’t enjoy yourself.

You both benefit from a clear and prompt response.

Instead, end the date by communicating clearly that you would like a second date. That way you don’t have to play the waiting game when you’re going to hear back from them afterwards. 

Success Stories and Testimonials

It’s no surprise to hear people say that their friend or family member helped them find their partner. Simply because blind dating has been around for so long and has led to a lot of meaningful relationships. 

For one Reddit user, blind dates came with a mix of ups and downs, but one turned out to be a memorable day. After being set up by his friend, the dater shared that the day was filled with coffee, ice skating, and a movie.

“Then I took her home, she kissed me and said see you next week,” said a Reddit user. 

Photo of a man and a woman drinking wine and smiling at a party
Blind dates can be hit or miss, but when they hit, they can lead to lasting love.

Another Reddit user shared that they formed a long-lasting bond with someone they consider a friend still to this day because of a blind date. Even though the date didn’t result in a romantic relationship, he said that they agreed on a relationship that worked for them. 

“The past few years we have had a physical friendship, as in if we go to a club or watch movies cuddling and making out isn’t off the table unless one of us is in a relationship. I wouldn’t call it friends with benefits, it’s more like friends with few boundaries,” said a Reddit user. 

Your Friends & Family Can be Good Matchmakers

Consider giving blind dates a try because you never know what the outcome will be. Friends and family members generally know us best, so it’s safe to assume that they might know what partners would be good for us.

They may not be professional matchmakers, but their hearts are certainly in the right place.

Whether you feel like you’ve run out of options or are not making the best dating choices yourself, take a chance on a blind date to help you find the love and relationship you deserve.