Despite many of us being complete suckers for love, not everyone understands how frustrating and exhausting it can be to actually find it. While social media and dating apps have revolutionized the way we pursue love by dismantling the hurdles that hinder us from meeting a suitable partner, online dating has led to a culture of instant gratification. Let’s face it: dating in the glorious age of the Internet just isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
Call it old-fashioned or undated, but it’s high time for blind dating to make its comeback.
Unlike dating apps, blind dates don’t require much hassle. Instead of going through the trouble of setting up your profile in the most compelling (albeit, pretentious) way ever before swiping endlessly until you end up with an interesting match, all you have to do is show up and be yourself. A blind date makes it easier for genuine conversations to flow naturally because the face-to-face contact gives both individuals a more intimate shared space to know each other better. There’s no algorithm to follow, and without any falsely perceived fantasies to worry about, you can determine much sooner if there’s a chance for chemistry to grow.
Take it from the innovative new series Flirty Dancing, a trailblazing reality competition show hosted by streetdancer and choreographer Ashley Banjo. who is also the star of the dance troupe Diversity. The dating show with a twist uniquely combines dance and romance as it tries to prove whether or not it’s possible for complete strangers to find love at first dance. Throughout the series we get to see the singles getting swept off their feet on the dancefloor instead of them swiping to the left or right on their phones.
So if you’re finally ready to put yourself out there and find an honest-to-goodness match for you, here are easy tips on how to shake off the first-date jitters and survive a blind date:
1) Stop putting too much pressure on the date
If you can’t throw out any and all expectations, it’s best that you learn how to manage them so you won’t end up in disappointment. Don’t sabotage your date by building out-of-this-world expectations that no one can possibly live up to.
2) Dress for success
Go with a comfortable and chic outfit that you genuinely feel confident in. Wear something you love and strut it in style!
3) Live in the moment
Going on a date with a total stranger can be pretty nerve-wracking because it’s difficult to not stress about so many things that could go wrong (like worrying if there’s food stuck on your teeth or if you’re dressed appropriately for the occasion), but the last thing you want is to give the impression that you’re rude and not really paying attention. Be present and don’t sweat the small stuff.
4) Don’t be too quick to dismiss
Remember that it’s impossible to learn everything about your date on the get-go so be nice and always keep an open mind. Not all couples instantly felt a spark the first time they met; it takes time to build a connection for some people. The point of going on a blind date is discovery—
you just have to give your date a shot and make an effort to really know him better.
5) Remember what you want
It’s important to be sure and specific about your own needs and desires so you don’t end up saying yes to what you don’t actually want. If you have reasonable preferences you feel strongly about or principles you don’t want to compromise, then it’s perfectly okay to uphold your boundaries. By the same token, you also have to understand that rejection is rarely personal—different people just want different things, after all.
6) Stay true to yourself and have fun
Dating should be enjoyable! It shouldn’t feel like a chore you have to accomplish. Luckily there are no strict rules to follow when it comes to dating, so loosen up and live a little. Stay positive and keep things light.
Although dating in general requires a lot of patience, effort and commitment, above all it should be fun and exciting. Even if the two of you don’t hit it off or things don’t work out, at least you were able to learn more about yourself and expand your horizons (and who knows, you might end up being good friends in the future!). Remember that people don’t always get successful results on the first try, so don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith. Like they say, true love is everywhere—you just have to keep looking.
Catch the season premiere of the all-new dating show Flirty Dancing on February 15 at 8pm only on ETC. Don’t miss the new episodes airing every Saturday at 8PM. For all Flirty Dancing updates and happenings, follow ETC on www.facebook.com/etctv, on Twitter and Instagram @etc_channel, and log on to etc.com.ph. Catch us on UHF channel 21, Sky Cable channel 16, Destiny Digital channel 16, Global Destiny channel 28, Cignal channel 9, Cablelink channel 34, or East TV channel 1.
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