Hey everyone, quick tips for safe dating—make sure to take notes!
When we meet people online and things progress to an offline date, safety is absolutely crucial and should never be taken lightly! Today, I’m here to talk about the essentials of safe dating, so make sure to pay attention!
📝 Before the Date: Do Your Research and Inform Trusted Friends or Family
Even if the person’s height, appearance, wealth, and marital status have been verified online, it’s still important to be cautious. During your conversations, casually confirm some details. For example, you could casually ask about their smoking habits to see if it matches what they’ve said in their profile.
Before you head out, make sure to tell a trusted friend or family member all the details about your date, including who you’re meeting, the time, the location, and when you expect to be back. If possible, share some information about the person you’re meeting and agree on a schedule for checking in to let them know you’re safe. Also, do a quick online search on the person to see if there are any public records, but don’t take everything you find at face value—just use it as a reference.
🚗 On Your Way to the Date: Choose the Right Place and Travel Safely
Pick a busy, familiar public place for the date, like a bustling shopping mall, restaurant, or park. Avoid remote or secluded areas. Use a reputable ride-sharing app for transportation and share the trip details with your friends or family. Once in the car, pay attention to the driver and the route. If anything feels off, ask the driver to stop or call the police.
🥤 During the Date: Be Careful with Food and Drinks, and Set Boundaries
Never accept drinks or food from the person you’re dating. You never know if they might have been drugged. If you’re thirsty or hungry, get something yourself from a reputable place. If you’ve already accepted a drink, never let it out of your sight. If you do, don’t drink it afterward.
Make your boundaries clear. If you feel uncomfortable with any requests, such as excessive physical closeness, firmly say no. Don’t feel embarrassed to stand up for yourself. Also, pay attention to the other person’s emotions and behavior. If they suddenly become emotionally unstable or act strangely, don’t panic. Find an excuse to leave quickly, like saying you have an emergency at home.
🚪 After the Date: Be Careful on Your Way Home and Be Decisive About Next Steps
When the date is over, arrange your own transportation home. Don’t get into the other person’s car. If they insist on giving you a ride, don’t let them know your exact address. Ask to be dropped off at the entrance of your residential area or a busy nearby spot.
If you feel that things aren’t right and you don’t want to continue seeing this person, be straightforward and let them know. If they become persistent or harassing, don’t hesitate to block them, inform your friends or family, and call the police if necessary.
Everyone, safety is the foundation of any date. Remember these tips, and we can all enjoy our dates and return home safely!
