Blind Dating

            Your best friend calls you and invites you to dinner next week. Isn't that nice, you say to yourself until she tells you there's this guy she's dying for you to meet.

            Do these "blind dates" well-meaning friends and families members arrange for us ever lead anywhere? Do you have anything to lose by going on one besides an evening in front of the TV? Well, let's see what might happen.

            Your friend fixes you up with this guy she knows from work. He in turn, brings along his friend. You wisely decide to meet the two guys at a restaurant for dinner. You and your friend certainly don't want these guys to know where you live, not yet. You don't know them very well and if for some reason, you or your friend need to cut it short, neither of you will be stuck without a ride.

            The evening rolls around and you and your friend show up at the restaurant. You're fashionably late but only by ten minutes or so. You're dressed attractively, not showy. You look sexy but not easy.

            As the evening progresses, the four of you seem to enjoy each other's company and you're glad you decided to take your friend up on her offer. You've heard some horror stories about blind dating but maybe they were exaggerated a bit. This guy may very well be the "one" you've been waiting for.

            Now wouldn't it be wonderful if all blind dates had a happy ending? Of course things don't always turn out that way. Girls (and guys) need to beware of the blind date. Are you sure you're conducting yourself in a manner that doesn't allow you to be taken advantage of in any way, especially with wine flowing freely all night long? Often, if you have let your guard down you can find yourself in a situation you may not be able to handle. If you're really attracted to someone, for example, and let him know it, he might get the wrong impression. It's always a good idea not to be too friendly on the first few dates until you get to know the other person well enough to be certain he respects your wishes.

            When hiring new people, many employers often do reference checks or background checks before they hire. You might want to do something similar by making sure someone you know knows the person you plan to go out with well enough to be aware of his past. The last thing you need is to fall for some guy or girl with a violent streak, addiction or some other undesirable problem. These situations happen all the time. You may think it would never happen to you but they can, so be smart about where you go and with whom. That doesn't mean being wary of everything your date says or does and not enjoying yourself. Just stay alert and go with your intuition. Don't be afraid to voice any misgivings about where he's taking you.

            You may get lucky and meet the man or woman of your dreams. Unfortunately, that isn't always the way it works. Meeting new people is fun; just be sure and use common sense. Keep a safe distance until you know exactly what you are getting into.