How To Survive a Blind Date

Given the popularity of personal ads, blind dates are a fact of life for gay men. These simple steps will help you to avoid a blind date disaster.

written in 2002

Here’s How:

Arrange a time and place meet. Plan to do something low pressure, like meeting for coffee or brunch.
Make sure you will be able to recognize each other. If you haven’t exchanged pictures, then tell each other what you’ll be wearing.
Arrive promptly at the appointed time and place.
Spend some time chatting and getting to know one another. Don’t talk just about yourself; ask him about his interests.
If things aren’t going well, be polite. After you’ve finished with coffee/brunch/whatever, say thanks and be on your way.
If things are going well, feel free to suggest extending your date to include dinner, a movie, etc., but understand if he has other plans.
If you want to see this person again, make arrangements either to meet again or to call one another.
Observe the ‘three-day rule.’ Call him within three days, or he’ll assume you’re not interested.

Tips:

For your own safety, arrange to meet in a public place. You shouldn’t invite a complete stranger to your home, nor should you go to a stranger’s home.
Tell a friend where you’re going, just in case.
If things should get intimate, remember to play safely!