The Dos and Don’ts of a Blind Date

Rachel Kleyn

Something that was quite a foreign concept to me before arriving at Nerina, is a blind date Setting yourself up with a stranger seems like a fun idea, but it’s also incredibly brave (and, in some cases, possibly a mistake). Before House Fund Dance, I watched my roommate fret over who her blind date would be, as she switched from one guy to the next. Although I was not engaged in the process, I definitely got an outsider’s view on what you should and shouldn’t do when arranging a blind date. Since this year has still got a few dances up and coming, I thought I’d share with you a few of the lessons I’ve learnt.

So, what should you do?

NUMBERONE:LOOKSDOCOUNT

Yes, yes, I am aware that this is somewhat of an unpopular opinion But, before you call the editor and complain about how shallow I am, give me a chance to explain. Although a person with a pleasing aesthetic and a cute smile is handy, it’s not a must. A must, when it comes to looks, is that you really do have to know what they look like. It’s going to be rather awkward if you’re searching for them in a crowd of Eendrag caps, and you can’t tell orange from orange.

NUMBERTWO:TAKEOFFTHEBLINDFOLDBEFORETHEHOUSEFUNDDANCE

This point has been a topic of debate among many of my friends when discussing a blind date: should you meet them beforehand? My answer is yes. For starters, it gives you a chance to get all the awkward small talk out of the way, so that on the night of the dance all that’s left is to have a good time. And, more importantly (in my opinion), it gives you a chance to see if you really do connect with the person. If not, then you still have a chance to get off that train and on the next one.

NUMBERTHREE:CALLYOURFAIRYGODMOTHER

Bibbity bobbity boo! Whether your fairy godmother is your roommate, mom or best friend, get them to help you choose your best fit It’s important that you feel beautiful in whatever you’re wearing. In that way, you’re going to shine at the House Fund Dance! (And if your blind date really sucks, you can blame your early escape on your fairy godmother’s magic wearing off.)

Number

FOUR:

Walk Down The Aisle And Make It To The Altar

Slow down there, tiger! Even if your date is super cute, I don’t mean that we want to hear wedding bells on Day One. However, it is important not to get cold feet. SHOW UP. We’re all a little shy sometimes – and a little late sometimes (for me, all the time) – but it is so important that you do end up going and doing your best to have a good night. That’s just good character, and good character is what one finds at Nerina.

The Definitely Don’ts

NUMBER ONE: DON’T MAKE POOR DECISIONS

I know it’s a bit of a shot in the dark to ask this of university students, but I thought I’d try anyway. Although the matter of who your blind date might be is important, what is even more crucial is the person selecting your blind date. Make sure that it is someone who knows you well – what you like and dislike, your pet peeves, and your least favourite “manskoshuis” (I know you thought of yours), because that would just be a big no-no.

NUMBER TWO: DON’T BE THE STALKER

I know that burning urge to click on that request button on Instagram is just awful, but please be patient. Let them be the one to make the first move. It’s always more fun when you’re the one playing hard-to-get. Also, it can be somewhat of a dead giveaway when they don’t know who their blind date is and poof! – follow request from a random person who’s in Nerina.

NUMBER THREE: DON’T WAIT FOR PRINCE CHARMING

I’m sure you’ve heard of “W-rizz.” Interesting fact: “rizz” is actually derived from the word “charisma” – so essentially “W-rizz” means to have winning charisma. Some people have it, some people don’t. Please do not expect your date to be perfect. They might not bring you flowers (mine didn’t) or open your car door or tell funny jokes, but hey! Thank goodness everyone has more depth than that. Remember to not set the bar too high for Date One. If they’re not the one, you can put the bar down, but if they are, you can raise it the next time.

NUMBER FOUR: DON’T GO DIGGING IN THE ARCHIVES

Although some of us are blessed to have never been in a failed relationship, others of us are not so blessed Try not to spend your whole night recounting tales of your ex(es), as I can imagine that being quite off-putting, if not tedious. Try not to do too much of the “long list of ex-lovers”, and more of the “I’ve got a blank space”. Thanks Taylor.

Although each of you will have varying opinions on how correct I am, everyone will have to agree: a Blind Date is an adventure I hope that when you embark on yours, it is everything you dreamt of – and even a story to tell the kids one day.