Do blind dates make sense?

We don’t know exactly when blind dates first appeared as a dating format. But they are definitely not a new phenomenon. As proof, in 1934 the film “blind date” was released, starring Ann Sothern, Neil Hamilton and Paul Kelly. Plus it’s impossible to count how many popular TV shows have aired around the world over the past few decades in which participants get to each other completely blind.

But let’s ask ourselves — is there any point getting to know each other this way? Can a random person be “the one”? And how can people truly get acquainted blindly, now we live in the internet age?

Some interesting facts about blind dates

Let’s address something right off the bat: blind dating is a much more common phenomenon than many people think. For example, in 2009, The Guardian invited its readers to take part in blind dates. Almost 600 people agreed to participate, and as a result, The Guardian created 300 couples, which were discussed on the British newspaper’s pages. This exercise quickly became a favorite among readers, and many participants in The Guardian’s blind date unexpectedly became famous — thousands of readers watched their lives with fascination.

In the United States, about 43% of adults have been on a blind date at least once. Mostly the older generations. At the same time, young people haven’t ruled out getting acquainted  this way. However, the fastest growing group in the blind date industry is slowly becoming those over fifty.

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The percentage of people of all ages taking part in blind dates is as follows:

• 18-24 years old — 20%
• 25-44 years old — 34%
• 35-44 years old — 41%
• 45-54 years old — 48%
• 55-64 years old — 52%
• 65 years and older — 58%.

It’s noteworthy that the ratio of men to women here is almost equal: 44% men, 42%  women. This means there’s definitely no shortage of representatives of the opposite gender.

However, for all the popularity of blind dates, there are many misconceptions around them. It is because of these that millions of people avoid this dating format. We’re here to set the record straight.

TOP 3 misconceptions about blind dates

• Misconception 1: This sort of acquaintance will never lead to a real romance and a strong relationship.

If you think that, why are blind dates still so popular? If no one will meet their true love here, why do people take part in such events over and over again, both offline and online?

There are hundreds, even thousands of stories on the internet about how people met on a blind date and that led to a strong, loving family bond. Yes, some of the stories are embellished, but the bulk of them are quite real.

Of course, your first attempt may not be the most successful due to excitement and uncertainty. But you’ll get used to it very quickly and will easily find a common language with new people, discuss topics of interest to both of you, and start building strong relationships. Why not at least give it a try?

• Misconception 2: Only losers go on blind dates

Many people would say something similar about dating sites. But this is sheer nonsense. Online dating is completely normal. Especially in the current reality, when getting acquainted offline can be very problematic.

There is nothing shameful in interacting in this way. How are blind dates different from dating in a nightclub, for example? Or on the street? They’re essentially not. You see a stranger in front of you, start a conversation with them, get to know each other and decide whether to continue interacting further.

Never listen to those who say that blind dates or encounters on dating sites are for losers. Such statements only emphasize the person’s own insecurity or implies their personal failures.

• Misconception 3: Expecting the worst from a blind date

Remember one thing: if you are in a negative mood, then it does not matter which dating format you use. Pessimism will do its job — you’ll not be satisfied with the result, you will look for a catch everywhere, and in the end you will ruin everything all by yourself.

If you’re not in the mood for a blind date or you’re still not ready to embrace this format, give yourself time. Collect your thoughts, weigh all the pros and cons, read tips from the internet on how to behave on a blind date, and most importantly, set yourself up for positive thoughts. Even if the meeting does not lead to a relationship, try to do everything to ensure the encounter is pleasant, and you leave a good impression.

Drop all prejudice, try the blind date format and see if it works

Interest in blind dates has grown significantly since many countries have left strict quarantine. People are tired of loneliness and want to make up for the lack of live communication. Yet at the same time, fear for their health stops many from meeting strangers.

Fortunately, there is a solution. For example, in early February 2022, Tinder representatives announced that they were launching a blind date feature. In many aspects, this novelty feature is really similar to classic blind dates. It works in the following way:

1. You answer several questions in a questionnaire.
2. The system analyzes your answers and selects participants you might like.
3. You get into a chat with someone about whom you know almost nothing. Only their answers to questions.

If, in the end, both people are satisfied with this date, they can continue to communicate without any restrictions, get to know each other better and potentially move on to future relationships.

But this format, as you know, is not suitable for everyone. Not everyone wants to answer questions, use the paid services of Tinder and trust their fate to the mysterious algorithms for selecting a match. Many prefer the alternative — random chat.

The key point is that video chat with strangers is basically the same as a blind date, only more convenient. You can start chatting with a new person in one click, and it’s just as easy to switch to the next person. Great examples of random chat sites are Chatrandom and CooMeet. Both offer handy gender filters, and in random cam chat CooMeet, girls even verify their account data. In this way, the site fights against the appearance of fakes and bots.

Random chat is a great format for those who want to explore blind dates, but for some reason are not ready to attend offline events. A great way to improve your communication skills, make new friends and maybe meet your true love.

There are many ways to blind date

We can’t claim that a blind date is the best way to get to know each other. Or that random video chat is the most effective way to date online. Each case is individual. Some may meet their love in a random chat. Someone on a dating site. And some — just walking in the park.

We just want to say that there’s no need to exclude one or other way of getting to know each other if they seem inefficient or not particularly promising. Trust us, you’ll be missing out on a lot. So experiment, discover something new, and pleasant encounters will not keep you waiting long. Good luck!