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Hopefully your friends have your best interests at heart when they set you up on a blind date. They know your interests and your likes and dislikes. So, it is possible they may be able to make a love match. However, don't be too optimistic or pessimistic. Look at going on blind dates as a learning experience and great practice for the future.

That said, there are precautions and rules one should follow when going on a blind date:

1. Arrange to meet and drive your own car.
2. Keep it simple. For a first date, meet for lunch. You can see if there's any mutual attraction and learn enough about each other to see if there is any point in having a second date.
3. Take your cell phone.
4. Don't give too much personal information until you have screened this person.
5. Don't talk about your ex.
6. Veer away from controversial subjects such as religion and politics.
7. Be a good listener.
8. Be courteous. There is no cause for rudeness just because the guy is no dream boat.
9. If you like him, let him pay. If you don't, pay for your own meal.
10. Don't leave drinks unattended. If you have to use the lady's room, get a fresh drink when you return to the table.
11. Don't drink alcohol on a blind date.
12. Rehearse what you will say if you desperately need to get out of this situation. Have someone call you on your cell phone after an appropriate amount of time so you can say you are needed back at the office, for instance.
13. Make sure a friend knows where you are.
14. If possible, make it a double date with mutual friends. You'll both feel a little more comfortable if there are others at the table to help carry on the conversation.
15. How you dress sends a message. Don't look easy, but don't look like a corporate stick-in-the mud either.
16. Don't smoke cigarettes.
17. Don't take cell phone calls except in that one emergency.
18. Be natural and don't try too hard to impress.
19. Don't go home with the guy after the first date.
20. Talk about hobbies and interests to see if there's something you'd both enjoy doing on a second date.
21. Don't give him your phone number and address unless you are sure you'd like to go on a second date. Make sure your friends don't give out this information either.
22. Don't lead him on. If you don't plan on going out with him again, don't let him think you might take any of his calls.
23. If you like him and want him to ask you out, don't be afraid to suggest something casual and fun such as going to an outdoor fair or playing tennis-something you both like to do, but have difficulty finding a partner for. If nothing else, you can be good friends sharing similar interests.
24. If he doesn't like you, don't take it too personally. Learn from your mistakes and have a better date with someone else the next time.

Love can be a numbers game. Think of it as shoe shopping.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Wordsmith.
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