Preparation

• First impressions, just like in job interviews, are extremely important. Most people have anxiety about blind dates simply because the other person is a complete wild card; once you see each other, the fear of the unknown disappears. So make sure that when your date does see you, you're presenting yourself well. That means dressing really nicely and making sure you don't have body odor or bad breath.
  
  Also, be safe. Meet in a public place, and make sure a friend or family member knows where you're going beforehand. If you want, you can also plan on having a friend call at a given time, in order to give you an "out" if the date turns out to be a disaster.
  
  

Don't Go Out to Dinner

• Going out to eat is what most people immediately think of when they think of "blind date," but it's problematic for a number of reasons. If you're not hitting it off, you're stuck there for the whole dinner. Men are indeed obligated to offer to pay the bill, which can get pretty expensive. And then there are all the added anxieties that a dinner brings: "What if I talk with my mouth full?" "What if the food doesn't agree with me?" "What if there's something in my teeth?"
  
  Don't go to a movie, either: You're supposed to be getting to know each other, remember? Try going somewhere more unique: an art gallery, a museum, a concert in a park, or even just a nice place to walk. It's less expensive, it's easier to leave early if the date isn't going well, and you'll have more to talk about because you won't be sitting in one place staring at the other person. If you both decide to get coffee or dessert, go for it. But one word of warning: Make sure your date knows the plan beforehand so they can plan their meals accordingly.
  
  

During the Date

• During your date, be courteous, don't be a slob, and please, set your phone to vibrate. But most importantly, be yourself. That doesn't mean show up in sweats. It doesn't mean talk about all your past relationships. It means, more accurately, to be the best version of yourself that you can be.
  
  Don't spend the whole night wondering if your date is "the one" or worrying that he or she won't make spouse material. Slow your brain down and remember that you're just there to have a pleasant night out. Even if it doesn't go perfectly, you're having a more interesting time than you would be at home.
  
  Finally, at the end of the date, try to be honest about the prospects of another one: Turning your date down isn't easy, but it's better than just not returning calls afterward. At the same time, unless the date really is a total disaster, give it another shot. Second dates are often a lot more enjoyable because both people know what to expect and are a little more comfortable with each other.