It will encourage you to date. If youve recently gotten out of a long relationship or have lost confidence in yourself, a blind date can really encourage you to get back into the dating arena. Even if the date doesnt go as youre hoping, it will remind you that there are people out there.

When did blind dating start?

2009 Fortunately for us, almost 600 Guardian readers have been brave enough to do exactly that. Since Blind Date began in 2009, weve set up nearly 300 couples, and the details of their encounters – the good, the bad and the downright bizarre – have become one of Weekend magazines best‑loved features.