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.