Online dating, social networking, web chat and texting have taken away from the excitement and anticipation of meeting someone for the first time face to face. All this new technology that’s meant to bring us together seems to be keeping people apart for longer. It’s very difficult to make a true connection with someone when there is a lack of personal interaction where you can read body language and feel true chemistry.

If you’re interested in meeting people and want that real connecion re-think the blind date. These simple tips will make your blind date successful whether it leads to a relationship or not.

• Get friends or co-workers to set you up with someone. You’ll be able to find out more about the person beforehand and you already have a common connection in the person who set you up. Plus it’s safer to meet with someone through a friend than meeting with a stranger you found online.
• Always meet in a public place and tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and approximately how long you’ll be. Take your own car or public transportation. Don’t accept a ride from your date.
• Instead of going out for dinner start with a coffee date or just drinks first. These dates are shorter in time so if there is no connection and you’re not interested you won’t be committed for as long.
• If you’ve been introduced by someone, bring them up in conversation but don’t make the whole talk about them. Use their link to your date to find out more about your dates interests.
• Don’t talk about past relationships. If things go well you’ll have lots of time in the future to learn more about their past relationships.
• Avoid bragging about your job, salary, skills, etc. This isn’t a job interview. Talk about you interests and what you like to do for fun.
• Dress to impress. Wear clean, comfortable clothes that suit where you are meeting. First impressions count so make sure you look well put together but don’t try to be someone you’re not.
• Arrive on time. This is very important. If you’re late you will set a bad tone for the rest of the date.
• Don’t over do it on the first date. Only plan to meet for a short time. You don’t have to spend a whole day/night with this person. If there is a connection you’ll have lots of time to see them more in the future.
• Pick a place that you’ll both feel comfortable. If you don’t like Jazz music, don’t pick a Jazz club to impress them. Your dislike will so and the date will seem fake.
• Bring your sense of humour and relax. Things may not work out perfectly. If you trip or spill your drink laugh about it and it will make your date relax as well.
• Split the conversation. You should listen as much as you are talking.
• Do your research first if you can. Find out as much background information as you can through your matchmaker or their online profile. Don’t stalk them but knowing a few facts, like where they grew up or past jobs can be used as conversation starters and shows you are interested in them.
• Keep the conversation relaxed and avoid talking about really personal issues.
• Change your expectations. If you go into the date thinking you’re going to meet the perfect person to settle down with you’ll only be left disappointed. Instead expect to have a good time and enjoy going out and you probably will. Make the focus on the experience not the person you’re meeting.
• Don’t experiment with exotic foods or drinks. Stick with things you know and like.
• Limit your alcohol intake. Do not get drunk on a first date. It is dangerous and can be embarrassing. Know you’re limits so you can have enough to relax but not go overboard.
• Offer to split the bill.

Always remember that dating is supposed to be fun. If you go into it with the right attitude and if you don’t expect too much out of it you’ll have a good time and perhaps meet the right person. If you don’t meet your future partner, that’s ok too. You’ll be able to take positives away from the situation, like what you don’t like or what not to do next time. Who knows you might make a new friend if not a partner.