DATING


Meeting someone in person can be one of the most important stages of your relationship where you should consider every aspect of your safety and ensure you protect yourself enough to be able to simply enjoy the moment.


There are many things you could consider and arrange before you go on a date which could help you avoid any problems and have a great time. Remember that you have never actually met this person and things can end up a lot different than you had been expecting so be smart and take time to assess the risks.

15 Free Dating Tips!

    Before you meet

  • Before you meet someone in person that you have met online, prepare yourself by being certain that you feel it is safe to meet that person and by arranging a “way out” of the situation if you need to.

    • Find out as much as possible about the person you are communicating with before you meet them in person. Communicate extensively using email, instant messaging or chat prior to calling the other person.
    • When talking to that person on the phone, look for signs of false information and even for verbal indications that this member may not be safe.
    • Try to request multiple photos of the person you are communicating with. Ask to see photos of the person in a variety of situations and at different times in their life. This helps to 'paint a picture' of the person and can be useful to understand more about that person.

DATE TIPS

  • Always arrange to meet in a busy public place - and arrive and leave on your own, using your own transport. Avoid hikes, bike rides or drives in remote areas for the first few dates. If you decide to move to another location then take your own car.
  • Pay attention to displays of anger, intense frustration, or attempts at pressuring or controlling you. Acting in a passive-aggressive manner, making demeaning or disrespectful comments, or any physically inappropriate behaviour are all red flags indicating unhealthy or dangerous people.
  • Refrain from drinking excessively, never leave a drink unattended and never allow your date to buy you a drink without your seeing it.
  • When you do decide to meet face to face, pick a public place and tell a friend where you're going. Let them know when you return from the date.
  • Ask a friend to call you at a certain time to make sure everything is ok.
  • Exercise caution if your date wants to invite you to their place, come back to your place or offers you a lift.

Plan Your Date!


What should I do in an emergency?

If you can plan for emergency situations before you go on a date it can help ease your mind if for some reason you do find yourself in an unusual situation that you need to get out of. If you meet someone and things do not go as planned or you feel in danger, you will need a way to remove yourself from that situation without incurring any harm.

Here are some things to keep in mind when going on a date:

  • Know where exits are at all times
  • Ensure you are in a position to notify someone if you need any help
  • Have a backup plan that includes a close friend who can come to your aid immediately if you need help
  • Keep a copy of emergency telephone numbers in your bag or stored on your mobile phone

Above all, remember that your date is supposed to be an enjoyable experience that will allow you to get to know someone in person that will hopefully lead to a special connection.

Don’t be afraid to meet someone you have only talked to online or over the phone with, meeting someone that you have met on the internet is the same as meeting a stranger in public. If you take the time to plan your safety before you go on a date then you will never need to worry about being in an uncomfortable and possibly dangerous situation.


BACK TO TOP >