The blind date effect. Familiar with it? It’s kind of like a runners high, but in the world of dating. Before the run, you dread what is to come. After, you feel amazing as there are endorphins pumping through you. Translating this to a blind date, I was nervous and I desperately wanted to flake. But I did it, and after, I realized that I have not forgotten how to flirt. I am interesting. Plus, there are interesting men out there that I can have fun with. For those that are still raising a skeptical eyebrow, I highly recommend some investigative fieldwork. Don’t take my word for it, try it.
Let me lay it out:
The blind date.
Would this make blind dating easier?
I really do not have a single bad thing to say about dinner with Grant. Past dates with new guys, at times, ventured into uncomfortable territory in those moments where the server is getting drinks or placing the food order. You know, those instances where you and your date are both reduced to staring at a drink menu, or anything else within site to avoid awkwardly looking at each other in silence, begging for a topic of conversation to magically materialize.
The atmosphere of the restaurant we went too was perfect. It was cozy, and the volume was the perfect buzz where I didn’t feel like everyone within a two-table radius was also a part of our date, yet I didn’t have to shout or continually ask Grant to repeat what he said.
So, while we waited a few extra minutes for drinks and refills, it was completely comfortable. The conversation flowed. I learned that Grant has an older brother, he grew up in the suburbs of Chicago but moved to Minneapolis to work for Target as a business analyst, he one time broke his ankle skiing and he minored in Norwegian in college. Overall, fairly standard, safe first-date conversation. Admittedly, it was slightly vanilla, but certainly nothing to complain about. It went well. I am even considering going to dinner with him again.
This date was exactly what I needed. It gave a huge boost of confidence, and made me realize that dating is not so scary. In fact, it’s kind of fun. Grant was a gentleman, he brought me flowers — an unexpected touch of chivalry — he opened the door for me and most important he seemed genuinely interested in the things I had to say. I realized that I am not doomed to flounder in a sea of irresponsible boys or boring men. There are gentlemen that are interesting and are interested in me.
So I’m feeling pretty good. It’s the blind date effect, I swear.
One date down.
Many more to go.
numbers exchanged 