Root canal. Tax audit. Blind date. Few situations have the power to strike such universal fear in the hearts of single people as the dreaded blind date. The words themselves conjure up images of nervous meetings, awkward silences, and uncomfortable partings, but they don’t have to. Blind dates can be the perfect opportunity to make new friends, practice your people skills, and just maybe meet someone interesting. A few important do’s and don’ts can make the process virtually pain free.

Do agree to meet for coffee or drinks instead of dinner. There’s far less pressure on both parties when the meeting is casual, and you can skip the awkwardness of trying to eat in front of a stranger or deciding who pays for the meal. Be sure to pick somewhere quiet instead of trendy to minimize distractions, and don’t feel compelled to say hi to every person you remotely know. Although you may be trying to impress your date with what a popular person you are, the only impression he or she will receive is that you’re not interested in the date.

Do use your best etiquette. Of course you should always be genuine and true to who you are, but everyone can and should be polite. Don’t be overly sarcastic or tell off-color jokes. This isn’t the time to try out your latest stand-up routine on a captive audience of one. Avoid hot-button topics of conversation like politics and religion unless you’re both seasoned debaters looking for a sparring partner. Be sensitive to your date and treat him or her with the same courtesy you would like to be treated with.

Don’t answer your cell phone. In fact, turn it off. It doesn’t make you look important, only self-important. There’s almost nothing more annoying than someone who can’t carry on a conversation because his or her mobile won’t stop ringing. If you’re expecting an important call, explain this to your date beforehand, but in general, try to schedule the date at a time when you won’t need to answer your cell.