People believe very deeply in first impressions. According to psychologists, your physical appearance makes up 55% of a first impression. That is why you should be careful how you look. When you have a blind date, what do you think you should wear?

First, you’d better wear clothes that match. You should not wear your most beautiful dress. If you prefer to wear jeans, go ahead. There is no need to wear beautiful lacy dresses. However, do not wear a miniskirt or hot pants for a blind date. Men do not like too short skirts.

Second, wear light make-up that looks natural. Most people do not like women who wear too much make-up. If you want to look sweet, use light pink eye shadows and put on pink lipstick. If your skin is pale, apply peach color blush to your cheeks. It will give your skin a healthy glow.

Next, what kind of hair-style do men like? Many women spend too much money on their hair style, but most men like women’s black straight hair as usual. The best hair style is long straight hair. Do not worry if you are a woman with short hair because it looks very intelligent and sophisticated. However, you better avoid an exotic hairstyle such as colorful dyed hair.

The appearance is very important in blind dating, but success of in blind dating depends on where you meet your partner.

Are you looking for an appropriate blind date place? Before choosing a specific place, you need to think about a spot that is good for both the woman and the man. Places that are located half-way between each other or closer to the woman’s neighborhood are good as blind dating places. Choosing a place in the middle is comfortable for both, but choosing a place in the woman’s neighborhood is more considerate for women in Korea.

Next, you have to decide on a specific place.  A place that is popular and crowded and has many stores is excellent for blind dating. For example, ‘Jong-no’ is a good choice because it is busy and has lots of pubs, theaters, restaurants, coffee shops and so on. But be careful, if you go to a theater, you and your partner may feel awkward with each other because you can not talk much there. In addition, when you choose a restaurant, you should not go to ‘Ttekbokki’ or ‘Kimchi fried rice’ restaurants because food with red pepper can get stuck in your teeth.

Third, find a place that is peaceful and softly lit where you can talk comfortably with each other. Dim lighting creates a tranquil atmosphere.
However, whatever the place, the communication is more important.

It is also important to know how to talk on the first date. Listening to the other person is really necessary. For example, if you insist on talking about only what you want, the other person might be upset about your thoughtlessness. That behavior will cause a breakup after the first date. Listening to others and showing interest is highly valuable. Nodding or shaking your head can send the message that you are listening to the other carefully. It influences how the other person judges what kind of person you are.

Finally, avoid long silences. Ask many questions in order to get to know each other. Creating a comfortable conversation is the most important thing you can do. If you follow all of these points, you will be seen as a nice person in the eyes of your partner.
 
Make considerate gestures. First, do not look at your cell phone or watch too many times. Your partner will think you are busy and feel uncomfortable. In addition, he may believe that you do not like him. It is impolite behavior. Also, do not look around too much. If you frequently turn your eyes from your partner, he will think you are not interested. You’d better make eye contact with him while he is talking to you. Show him that you are concentrating. One more thing I suggest is that you do not run your hand through your hair too often. It may make you appear nervous.

These are four important things which will help you achieve success on a blind date: a good appearance, a suitable location, attractive communication techniques and thoughtful gestures. In blind dating, your appearance will help you make a good impression and the place you choose to go will play an important role. Having good conversation skills is really important on blind dates, as well as in many other types of meetings. Friends, I wish you a successful blind  date!

Senior Kim Jae-Ki(Dept. of Public Administraion, Kyung Hee University)

jacky2845@nate.com