The Blind Date

I'm in favor of blind dates for the following reasons:

Unlike other cultures, where there are blind marriages, the closest our individualist culture has come to allowing others to make one's own mating decisions is the blind date. It's hit or miss, so it's risky (definitely more exciting than a normal date). I have had a lot of fun on blind dates. My brother was set up with his wife by friends, and she's way cool. On a blind date, more than in any other social situation, I know for a fact that another person whom I have never met is single, looking, and is giving me a chance. I will probably have things in common with her (at least the third party thinks so), and am in the same approximate league. I can get away with making the date cheap, because I don't know the person.

I'm convinced that life would be easier if the dating scene were restricted to blind dating. Think about it--shyness would not be a factor and, unlike dating somebody from work, a class or a social group, there will be very little awkwardness afterward if things don't work out, since the two people would rarely see each other. In short, the cost:benefit ratio is just so much lower than with traditional dating.

What's the worst that can happen? Spending an evening and a little bit of money with somebody I don't really click with. It beats watching a movie with my roommate. Don't get me wrong, it would be an exhausting experience if it were more than once every week or two, but I can't think of a more effortless way to branch out.

I have a blind date this week and you know what we're doing? I'm taking her to a friend's birthday party and, as you may have guessed, there will be no cover charge.