Dating is the process of meeting a person with the intention of evaluating each other’s personalities and compatibility as potential partners. When searching for a life partner, you should consider a date and place where you can get to know each other.
However, it’s possible to encounter unexpected situations, such as meeting someone who is rude or incompatible, or even worse, someone who wants to hurt you.
Although you may have been chatting with a person for a long time, you need to take the necessary precautions before going on a date. In the modern dating world, it’s increasingly important to be vigilant, as instances of sexual assault related to dating have risen dramatically.
If you talk to the person you want to go on a date with on a dating app, safety measures must be taken super seriously. According to a study from Brigham Young University, sexual assault perpetrators who use dating apps are more furious and violent compared to those who don’t use apps for dating purposes.
It’s important to recognize that your health and safety may be at risk if necessary measures aren’t taken. However, by following a few simple safety tips, you could minimize the potential dangers. Here are the top five tips that you should know before going on a date.
1. Tell people you trust about your dating plans
Keeping the matter of dating a secret can have its benefits, but it’s much better to let people you trust know who you’re going on a date with. You should inform them about the location of your date and your expected time of arrival and return.
If you encounter any suspicious circumstances during the date, immediately notify people you trust. Thus, they can take action and assist you in case of an emergency.
If everything goes smoothly, you and your friends or family members will be calm. In order not to find yourself in the same situation as in the movie “127 Hours,” where James Franco’s character suffered because he didn’t tell anyone about his hiking plans, it’s important to be cautious and inform someone about your location.
If you have people you trust, don’t hesitate to send them the name of the person you’re meeting and where the date is taking place. If it seems too much, remember that it’s better to take safety measures than to regret it later.
2. Meet in a secure location
Choosing a safe location for a date is crucial, especially when you’re going out with someone unknown.
A general rule is to avoid going to their suggested place and not to invite them to your home, especially if you live alone. Instead, opt for a public location, such as a restaurant or coffee shop.
This not only restricts any illicit activities but also provides a familiar and relaxed atmosphere where you can freely express your thoughts and opinion.
If you meet somewhere where you feel safe, you will be able to relax and not think about something that may go wrong. If there are many people around, there’s nothing to worry about.
3. Get as much information about your date as possible
Before meeting, try to find out as much as possible about the person you’re going on a date with. Ask them for their social media accounts to see what they post. If anything seems suspicious or weird, ditch the idea of meeting this person.
Pay attention to how they communicate. If they respond negatively to inoffensive phrases such as “how are you?” or “what are you up to today”, it’s a sign that this person is not to be trusted. Would you ever be rude to a person you barely know? Probably not. Don’t let other people be rude to you.
If you know your potential date’s phone number, the whole process gets easier. You can use PhoneHistory to verify this person’s identity. You can also find out their date of birth (which is necessary) and where they live.
4. Take safety measures seriously
Dating can be exciting, but it’s also important to prioritize personal safety. Unfortunately, you never know the true intentions of the person you are seeing. To protect yourself, it’s wise to carry a form of self-defense, such as pepper spray.
While some may consider it an extreme measure, it’s always better to be prepared. Keeping pepper spray in your purse can give you peace of mind and ensure your safety in case of an unexpected situation.
In short, your safety should be a top priority, and carrying pepper spray on a date is a simple way to ensure that you have the means to protect yourself.
5. Don’t drink too much alcohol
If you’re going on a date with someone new in an unfamiliar place, it’s crucial to maintain full self-control. This includes being mindful of your alcohol intake. Drinking can lower your inhibitions and make you more susceptible to dangerous or uncomfortable situations.
Therefore, it’s important to keep your alcohol consumption in check while on a date. Allowing yourself to become too inebriated can make you more vulnerable to someone taking advantage of the situation, potentially leading you to leave a public place or engage in risky behavior.
To stay safe and in control, it’s best to limit your alcohol intake. This allows you to remain aware of your surroundings, ensuring a better experience for everyone involved.
Conclusion
Dating can be a wonderful and exciting experience, but it’s necessary to prioritize personal safety. Whether you’re looking for a romantic partner or just someone to go out with, you never know who you might meet. By following these five safety tips, you can minimize potential dangers and ensure that your date goes smoothly.
First, inform people you trust of your dating plans, including the location and expected arrival and return times. Second, gather in a secure public location, such as a restaurant or coffee shop. Third, try to find out as much as possible about the person you’re meeting with. Fourth, carry a form of self-defense, such as pepper spray, to protect yourself in case of an unexpected situation. Finally, limit your alcohol consumption to maintain full self-control and stay aware of your surroundings.
Remember that your safety is a top priority, and it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure it.