A blind date is when two people who have never met before, meet on a date arranged by mutual acquaintances. Meeting on a blind date can be tricky but if lucky, can go incredibly well. However, the reason most people consider ‘blind’ dating is because it can be convenient for those with busy schedules. For others, it is to have a little fun or to try and meet someone new.

Still, a blind date can be a daunting scenario. Thus, Real Research launched an online survey application to see what the public had to say regarding blind dates. It also aims to find out what makes a blind date a success. Here are the results.

Highlights

  • 40.33% say that appearance makes a great first impression
  • 35.73% find it ‘disappointing’ when the date looks different from the photos
  • 34.92% suggest that showing ‘courtesy’ is a big factor for success on a blind date

Appearance Leads to a Great First Impression

To begin, the survey asked respondents ‘what determines the great first impression on a blind date’. In response, 40.33% say ‘appearance’. Following this, 10.94% said ‘outfit’, 10.82% said ‘manner of speaking’, and, 7.90% said hairstyle.

Blind date most lasting first impression 1
Figure 1: The majority find appearance to be the most lasting first impression

Adding on, the sound of laughing (5.28%), expression (4.70%), courtesy (4.60%), and sense of humor (4.17%). Lastly, characteristics such as scent (3.62%), gaze (3.17%), tone of voice (2.48%), and physique (0.95%) were also amongst the responses.

The survey then asked respondents what the best place for a blind date was. To which, 36.73% chose a famous restaurant as the most favorable option. This is followed by a cafe (28.65%), a park (17.01%), and a dining place that they patronize (8.44%). Lastly, 8.12% chose a quiet bar or pub as their preferred place for a blind date.

34.92% Say ‘Courtesy’ Is the Secret to a Successful Blind Date

The survey on the first meeting on a blind date then asked respondents what they find to be the key to a successful blind date. To this, 34.92% said it is ‘courtesy’. This was followed by ‘interaction’ (17.71%), smiling and making eye contact (16.05%), and a bond and similar background knowledge (7.76%).

courteous date to be the best
Figure 2: The majority find a courteous date to be the best

In addition, 6.24% felt that a good outfit and style play a key role in determining success on the first meeting of a blind date. Then came, like-mindedness (6.02%), and hobbies and food preferences (2.65%).

Next, the survey went on to ask respondents about the type of person they did not wish to have a blind date with. To which, 35.63% say the worst person would be someone who either talks too much or too little.

Then, 22.54% would not want to come across someone who is arrogant and shows off. Others picked the one who is late for the date (9.80%) and the one who seems reluctant to start a relationship (8.78%). Lastly, 8.73% do not want to come across someone who does not pay.

35.73% Feel That ‘Looking Different From the Photos’ Is Disappointing

Next, the survey of the first meeting on a blind date asked participants what was the most disappointing moment on a blind date. On this, 35.73% said it was most disappointing when their date did not look the same as their photos.

moments-on-a-blind-date
Figure 3: Respondents reveal disappointing moments on a blind date

Likewise, 21.03% say when their date was late, 13.10% say when the date shows no courtesy, and 10.21% say when their date is poorly dressed. Meanwhile, 7.01% said when their date brags or talks only about themself. Lastly, 6.03% said when the conversations are not fun and 5.88% said when their date often stares at their phone.

Methodology

 
Survey TitleSurvey on the First Meeting on a Blind Date
DurationJanuary 20 – January 27, 2022
Number of Participants30,000
DemographicsMales and females, aged 21 to 99
Participating Countries Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, China (Hong Kong) China (Macao), China (Taiwan), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greanada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Maldives, Maluritania, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar [Burma], Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.