• Wait Until You’re Comfortable
• Do Your Research
• Meet Somewhere Public
• Stay Sober
• Take Your Own Car

5 Tips

Tip 1: Wait Until You’re Comfortable

This is one of the most important things to remember when online dating: you should never feel pressured to meet someone. You may come across profiles that say “swipe left if you don’t want to meet in person” or “want to talk to a person, not a screen.” While it is important to meet a potential partner in person, you should only do so once you’re 100% comfortable and feel the time is right. If someone gets too pushy then it may be a good idea to keep some distance. The right person will give you the time you need and respect your decision to wait until you’re comfortable.

Tip 2: Do Your Research

We’ve all joked about being a “Facebook Stalker,” and while there is some stigma, the act of researching a potential date’s social media profiles is a smart and safe way to suss out any red flags. Just don’t go overboard digging through old pictures and posts about their ex! In all seriousness, digging into who you are dating is a perfectly normal and reasonable thing to do. Now that social media has become so ubiquitous it is practically expected. Use that to your advantage and look for potential red flags like minimal pictures, AI content, or social handles attached to dating profiles (these could be people just looking for followers).

Tip 3: Meet Somewhere Public

Once you’re 100% comfortable and it is time to do so, be sure to meet with your date somewhere public like a restaurant, a busy park, or a bar. If someone wants to meet in private, it could be a red flag. First time meetings should always be in public and should stay in public. But they can still be intimate! Pick a nice restaurant or a favourite bar. Even safer: meet during the day at a coffee shop or book shop. Somewhere cozy and fun but still in the public eye and without the pressure of alcohol…

Tip 4: Stay Sober

Yes, having a drink or two on a first date can be a lot of fun, but don’t overdo it. You need to be sober to keep your wits about you and to get home safely. It’s well documented how alcohol impairs decision making and lowers inhibitions and response times. If in doubt, suggest getting a coffee instead. Only you know how much you can handle and it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

Tip 5: Take Your Own Car

Never accept a ride from someone you’ve never met before. That goes for more than just dating but it is crucial here. Stay in control of your own transportation. This ensures you have a way to bow out if you feel uncomfortable. In fact, it’s wise to also have a backup plan. So if you’re driving yourself, explore public transportation options, or even better—have a friend on call to pick you up. Which leads us to probably the most important tip…

The Most Important Tip: Always Tell Friends and Family About Your Plans

Tell a family member and/or a friend about your date plans. Let them know where you’re going and how long you plan to be out. If plans change, send a text to keep them updated. Share your location with someone you trust using your phone’s built-in feature. Dating should be fun and exciting. Concern for your safety while dating shouldn’t come from a place of fear or intimidation; it’s to keep you confident, smart, and in control of your situation. Following these simple tips will ensure you have a good time while remaining safe.

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