Hi!
I'm by no means an expert [=> if anyone spots something that needs to be corrected... I'm happy to learn!) so I wasn't entirely sure if I should answer at first, but I got a thought or two about it so here we go.:
TL;DR: Whether it's BDSM or vanilla, it doesn't matter - consent is equally crucial and communicating properly is always a plus. So if you don't want blindfolds, don't do blindfolds - it's always very OK to say no. You don't owe anyone but yourself. If he can't respect that... well, I believe you can decide for yourself. Whatever you do, please be careful and stay safe.
As I see it it is utterly irrelevant whether any given activity is classified as BDSM or not. In fact - what even is BDSM? In the end, it's a subjective concept. My vanilla might be another's 'dirtiest fantasy' and vice versa, after all. The thing that is universally important, however, is: Consent.
Vanilla sex is and should just as much be consented to as BDSM activities (though the latter are typically conseted to more consciously, properly and adequately featuring for instance talks, checklists and preparation, because there is usually higher levels of risk involved; That's not to say vanilla life wouldn't benefit from the same - Imo it's a pity, really, that respectful communication is not more broadly adapted. Still, even in non-BDSM environments there are at least some very commonly accepted, basic rules in place and people vastly stick to them - without discussing beforehand or even consciously think about them, mostly (e.g. "we don't do SA/catcalling/...", "a 'No' means 'No' - when someone says that word, I stop and give space", "I try not to cause pain or injury", "I don't record anything without asking", etc.).). Truth is, any sexual activity holds some form of risk, even a vanilla one (e.g. emotional [being seen naked, risk of rejection, vulnerability, ...], potential exposure to STDs, unprotected body, ...); So the label really doesn't matter - and it certainly shouldn't be an argument to coerce anybody into something they are uncertain about!!
Thus, no matter how either of you labels blindfolding, the procedure in essence is just the same: If you feel uncomfortable about it, please don't do it!!
Especially for first experiences I'd suggest rather finding *one* thing you are eager to try, and even then start slowly. You're not on a hurry, after all, right?
Slow & pleasant > fast & awful.
Why on earth should a blindfold not count? Yes, it's 'just a piece of cloth' - but then, a noose is 'just a piece of rope' and a knife 'just a piece of metal', too, right? Anyway, damage can be just as severe. Pushing psychical boundaries is and can be very dangerous, especially when it's not in a closely negotiated/aware/experienced context. If you don't know what you're doing it's playing with fire, likely without even knowing the full risk nor the warning signs. Damage done to the mind just like with the body can't be healed just like that. Don't underestimate it!
...
Small update:
He agreed no more bdsm for us. But he insists of using a blindfold. He told me it's not bdsm if it doesn't involve anything more than a piece of cloth. He wanted to meet on January cause he has "preparations to make"
Advance Happy New Year everyone