By Tuhina Anand

That nightmarish first meeting with your 'could-be' can actually be handled.

IS the very thought of meeting the prospective giving you goose bumps? Welcome aboard. Quit thinking that the world is conspiring against you; there are many who go through the rigmarole of meeting the stranger with whom they could, in a few months, be sharing not only a bed but also their toothpaste.

So why think of the first meeting as an unpleasant task? Surely you'd like a say in choosing your life partner? What could be worse than somebody else fixing up your marriage for you and you getting to see your spouse only when you exchange garlands on the flower-bedecked dais? Even if his physical appearance gets a go-ahead, what about the shock you might get when he opens his mouth to reveal a 'paan' stained set of teeth! Avoidable! Just go and meet him. We'll make it fun. Here's how:

Do Some Groundwork
One meeting is not enough to judge any person; it would be unfair for you to try and do that. Use the first meeting to help you decide if you want to meet the person again. Of course, there is no need to meet every Tom, Dick and Harry that your parents hear of. Leave the initial scanning to someone who knows you well, like an older sibling, or a close friend. When the choices are narrowed down, that's your cue to step into the scene.

Try to gather information on the 'chosen few'. Ask for profiles and photos. If you don't like what you see, the case rests...

Fix a meeting with the person whose profile you like. Anything that clicks - profession, interests, family background or looks (have some fun on the way!) - could be a springboard for conversation.

Before that, try getting in touch with the person over the phone or through e-mail. This will prepare you to some extent as to what to expect.