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.

Don’t go into the date hoping to find “the one.” This puts way too much pressure on both of you, and you may miss out on getting to know someone great just because he or she doesn’t live up to your set expectations. Look at every blind date as an adventure and the chance to meet someone knew. At the least, it’s an opportunity to broaden your horizons and make a new friend. In the same vein, if you’re invited on a date accept the invitation. You never know when you might meet someone wonderful.

Do listen more than you talk. Think about the people you enjoy talking to the most. Chances are, you enjoy talking to them because they seem to enjoy listening to you. By listening, you’ll make a great impression and learn a lot about your date. Tend to run off at the mouth when you’re nervous? Before the date, think of a few open-ended questions you can ask, and try to let your date do more of the talking. It’s not enough just to keep your yap shut, however. Practice active listening skills before you meet your date. Maintain eye contact with people when they are talking. Give them verbal cues that you’re listening to what they have to say, and make sure that your body language is inviting. Nothing screams, “I’m bored,” like crossing your arms over your chest or glancing at your watch while someone else is talking.

Don’t Google your date before you meet. It’s the old, “do unto others…” principle at work here. Would you want your date rooting around in your past for possibly damaging information about you? Digging up dirt on your prospective partner, whether through mutual friends, his or her coworkers or the Internet, can shape your opinion of the person before you even meet. Better to go into the situation with an open mind and no preconceived ideas of who your blind date is.

Do wear something you’re comfortable in. Ol’ Willy nailed it on the head when he wrote, “to thine own self be true…” which applies doubly for blind dates. Not the suit and tie type? Don’t agree to meet your date at a fancy restaurant that will require you to wear them. Are you a natural beauty? Don’t pile on the makeup and perfume in a misguided attempt to impress. Your date wants to get to know you, not the image you’re trying to project. Besides, how can you possibly enjoy yourself when you’re worrying about your appearance instead of what your date has to say?

Don’t talk about your past relationships. Nothing kills a blind date faster than the mention of an ex. No one wants to autopsy your failed relationships with you over coffee or listen to your list of grievances against your former partners. First dates are a time for new beginnings, not reliving the past, a time to focus on what’s right in front of you, not what you left behind.

Don’t share too much. Although you may feel compelled to create a sense of intimacy on the first date, don’t unload too many personal details about yourself just yet. Your date will want to know the basics about you and get a sense of who you are. This can be accomplished without you sharing the sordid details of your multiple past lives or your habits in the shower. If you’re in doubt about whether or not to share something personal, err on the safe side and don’t. After all, you have to save something for the second date.

Do be willing to try a second date. Just because sparks didn’t fly the first time you met doesn’t mean that there isn’t the possibility for a deep connection between the two of you. Unless the first date was a disaster, give the person another try. Second dates are often more enjoyable as both parties learn to relax and let their authentic selves shine through.

Life is too short to live in fear of the unknown, so let that friend, aunt, or coworker who swears she knows the perfect person for you go ahead and set you up. You’re only investing a few hours of your time, and the possibilities are endless. You may meet a wonderful new friend or even that someone special you’ve been looking for. Just keep in mind these few simple principles to help make your next blind date a smooth success.