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Few things in life may be as awkward as a bad blind date. For starters, dating in and of itself is not easy. But with a blind date, you now compound the challenges of dating with the fact that you have never met this person.

To top it off, it is more than likely that a friend has set you up on the blind date. They knew someone who would be just perfect for you. However, if the blind date is not going well, the matchmaker was indeed wrong.

If you find yourself on a bad blind date, how can you go about ending it gracefully? Below are a few tips.

* Try to stick with the date as planned.

Let's say you and your blind date have planned to go to dinner and a movie. Well, even if the dinner conversation is borderline painful, try to stick the evening out, if possible. That way, you are showing courtesy to the date as well as to the person who may have set you up with this person. It may not be fun, but it is the right thing to do.

* Be gracious.

You have seen athletes who handle their losses with dignity. When on a blind date that is not going well, try to avoid the temptation to be a sore loser. No matter how much you would like to look at your watch to see how much more you must endure, it is better to remain polite and attentive to your date. Avoid texting your friends. You can tell them about this mishap over drinks at another time.

By being gracious, especially in a not-so-fun situation, you are taking the high road. Keep in mind that your date may be having more fun than you, or be more interested in you.

* Give a hug or handshake, depending on your comfort level.

As you end the evening, thank the person who made the effort to spend the evening with you. Your choice to be polite and appreciative of this person's efforts will reflect well on your character, and it is the kind thing to do.

At the end of the date, when the person has walked you to your door, feel free to give that person a hug or a handshake. Either of those things provides a warm way to end the evening, but on a friendship note.

* Do not be afraid to decline another outing.

If the date has not gone well, then you probably have no desire to see this person again. In the event that the person asks you out again, then just be honest. But, be careful of the way you decline the follow-up date.

You can always tell the person that you appreciate the offer, but simply need to decline. People offer over explain in situations like this, which can cause more harm than good. Unfortunately, part of dating involves rejection and hurt feelings at times. However, you do not want to lead a person on either, as that can be very confusing for the other person.

* Take a cab home if necessary.

Sometimes blind dates go awry when one person drinks too much or starts acting inappropriately. In this case, you may need to leave before the end of the evening. You can always tell the person politely but firmly that you are not feeling well, and get a cab home.

In conclusion, bad blind dates can be truly miserable. But, the more gracefully you can behave, and end the evening, the better all parties involved will feel. And, it is after all only one night, one that will help you better appreciate your next good date.

Learn more about this author, Ann E. Smith.
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