How to Stay Safe on a First Date

Meeting up with someone for the first time is the most exciting part of online dating, but it is worth considering how to make the date as safe as possible as well as being as fun as possible.

Let someone know what you are doing

When you go climbing up a mountain, you are advised to let someone know when you are starting your trek, which route you will be taking and when you expect to be back. For your first date, we wouldn’t recommend packing a survival shelter, but the principal of letting someone know you plans is a good idea.

Tell your friend where you will be meeting, what time you will be meeting and what time you expect to get home and promise to send them a message when you get home. If your date is going really well, let your friend know that you will be out for longer so that they won’t be worried about you.

Have a get-out clause

It might sound extreme, but ask your friend if they would be willing to phone you with an ’emergency’ if you feel uncomfortable with your date. Also, check that they will  be able to pick you up from the venue if you are unhappy with your date’s behaviour.

Plan your route

Never, ever, ever accept a lift from your new date, or any other stranger. Make sure that you know how you are going to get to your date and how you are going to get back so that you don’t find yourself walking down dark alleyways, or having to accept a lift.

Make sure that you know the details of a local taxi company just in case you miss the last train, or bus, or if you end up having a drink and not being able to drive home.

If you feel that your date was acting inappropriately, get in touch with the website’s customer service team so that they can look into it for you.