Is blind date to find partner a good idea?
Hi Achokis,
I’m a single lady looking seriously to get into a long-term relationship. My problem is that I’m too busy and don’t seem to have time to socialise.
Somebody the other day suggested to me that I try a blind date or get someone online.
I’m a bit old-fashioned, but with time I’ve become open to these other options. Is it okay to go for a blind date? Please advise.
Our take
Thanks for your question. First is to ensure that we understand what dating is. Dating someone means you’re seeing somebody specific, with purpose and on a regular basis.
Dating doesn’t equal marriage. The level of the relationship you have with another person defines the difference between casual dating and being in an actual, committed relationship.
But what may have started as a casual date may lead to an actual, committed relationship. Now, how you start dating may vary from person to person.
Some started as a blind date, others online while some by just developing a friendship overtime to the point of dating each other.
Therefore, there’s nothing wrong with going for a blind date when looking towards a long-term relationship.
It is just one of the ways of expanding one’s net to find the right person. However, some caution must be taken.
Where a blind date is concerned, make sure you do your homework well as some innocent ladies have ended up being lured to strange places and raped.
Remember a blind date is a social engagement with someone whom you have not previously met. You don’t know what kind of person they are so you must be pretty careful, as this is a risky business.
Do your research on the guy by checking out his social media platforms before even accepting the blind date. So make sure it is you who chooses the place for the date, a place you are familiar with.
That helps in two ways; you feel more at home and safe in case of anything. Let your girlfriends know where you are and call you maybe every two hours.
Have a plan of how you will get home so that you are not at his mercy; he might take advantage of you.
Don’t be under too much pressure to be your best or for it to work. Go with an open mind. Be relaxed and know it is just about getting to know this other person.
If you like them you can meet a couple of times before you finally decide he is worth dating.
Remember too, that the purpose of dating is to get to know that other person well enough to start a serious relationship with them.
Don’t put the cart before the horse as many people do and end up hurting themselves.
The moment your relationship is based on sex, you lose something valuable, an opportunity to really get to know each other. The writers are marriage and relationship coaches [email protected]
