Photo: Goelia/Courtesy of Lauren Conrad.
From her laid-back, effortless style to a fresh, ahead-of-the-trend beauty aesthetic, Lauren Conrad is a girl after our own heart. So, each week for the next month, the born-and-bred California girl and editor-in-chief of LaurenConrad.com will share with us her insider secrets and personal musings. Plus, check out her visually stunning guest pinning here! Next up, Lauren tackles uncomfortable blind date territory.
Is there anything more nerve-wracking than a blind date? Let’s be honest here — it can go one of two (very different) ways. Way #1: You and your date hit it off and the rest is history. Way #2: The entire thing is awkward and there isn’t any chemistry. Either way it’s a gamble and you have to accept the fact that you can’t always win. So, what is a girl to do when she draws an unlucky card? There is a lot of debate as to how one should escape a bad blind date. Some say that it’s best to leave the suitor high and dry while others think it’s best to stick it out to the bitter end. Whatever camp you side with, here are a few points of etiquette to consider when plotting an exit strategy or dodging a follow-up date.
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If the date is going terribly (as in you’re crawling in your skin to leave — now!):
Sometimes it’s best to cut your losses and have the courage to end it. Ultimately, if you are not interested (or you can tell the other party isn’t into it at all), it might be best to accept it and make a clean break. The important thing is to be kind and honest. Faking an emergency exit is not only a lie, it is hurtful and rude, too.
If the date isn’t great, but not horrible (but you’re definitely not into it):
Stick it out if you can. If your date is a pleasant person and seems to be enjoying your company, the kind thing to do is to be nice and finish the date.
If the date wants to go out again and you don’t:
Let them know that it was really nice meeting them, however, it’s just not a good match and you’d rather not waste their time. If your date is a reasonable person, they will appreciate your frankness and honesty, which is better than leading them on. If not, it's probably a good thing you are calling it quits anyway.
Needless to say, even though the thought of going out with a total stranger can be terrifying, blind dates can be a wonderful opportunity to meet someone new. Just be sure to go somewhere public for your date and let a friend or family member know where you are going (just in case). If your blind date offers to give you a ride, you should kindly decline and let them know that you’ll meet them there. Getting in a car with a stranger is not the safest option! It’s also a good idea to pick an activity that will only last for a finite period of time (concert, coffee, drinks, appetizers) instead of a drawn-out dinner.
Have you ever had a blind date go horribly astray? Share your blind date horror stories below!