Only two weeks after my 26th birthday, my dear mother called me at 11:30 pm and asked me to go for a blind date. "This 30-year-old man has a great family background. He has a master's degree and has three apartments in Beijing." Last time I saw my mom so excited at such a late night was when I got an offer from the best university in Australia.

I love meeting people and making friends. But once the meeting turns into a date with marriage on the horizon, I get a little scared.

What should I go on dates for?