Your Swipe-safely First-date Checklist
Most fake profiles will have pictures of above-average attractive people, usually just one, with little to no information about them. Most of the time, this is what’s dangerous about the online dating world. Fortunately, there are not a lot of people who want to intentionally hurt you. They can pretend to be someone they’re not, post edited pictures that don’t even resemble them, or exaggerate their positive qualities. Don’t reveal any information about your location either, whether it’s where you hang out, where you work, or where you live. And you should never give anyone your phone number to begin with—wait until you want to meet them in person and make sure that you can trust them.
Leave The Date If You’re Uncomfortable
They’re especially dangerous when you’re with a stranger since they can change your perception of reality. This is a safety measure that works well even if your date is a great person. They don’t have to be dangerous for you—or possibly both of you—to be in danger during the date, or on the way to/from the date.
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You should always avoid being singled out and alone with your date for too long, at least at the beginning. Going to the bar can seem like an easy date activity, but for the first meeting you might want to stay dry. “When you drink alcohol, it brings down your defenses,” says Engle. We performed extensive tests on various online dating platforms and discovered that safety is a top concern for many users. Ensuring your first online date is secure requires a blend of common sense and digital savvy.
If you ever feel unsafe, trust your gut and block the person or leave the date. When someone makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t wait to find out whether they’re dangerous or not. You can drink alcohol, but getting drunk on the first date is a bad idea, both for safety and other reasons. So, stay sober and don’t feel pressured to drink alcohol just because your date drinks it.
There is also less pressure on either of you to keep the conversation flowing productively. Plus, some things are just a lot more fun when there are more of you (escape room, anyone?). We performed extensive tests and research to identify the best practices for staying safe on first dates. Whether you’re using Tinder, eHarmony, or any other dating app, these tips are designed to protect you from potential risks. Safety should always be a priority when you’re dating new people.
- Some scammers will tell you stories to get you to like and trust them.
- We’ve put together this list of precautions to take to ensure your personal safety any time you go on a date with someone you are still getting to know.
- Don’t let anyone take advantage of you while you’re searching for a new partner.
- Some people will even write in their profile description that they want to meet right away and “don’t need a pen pal.” Don’t let this pressure you into meeting them until you’re ready.
Don’t give out your personal information to anyone you don’t know very well. You can safely communicate back and forth without having to disclose your number. Our team has found that reputable dating sites often have built-in safety features, but it’s crucial to take personal responsibility for your safety. By following our guidelines, you can enjoy your first date without unnecessary worry. They can’t believe they’re forced to spend their time on apps and having average first dates in order to find someone special.
If you’re going out for drinks, consider eating dinner before you head out for TheLuckyDate the evening, rather than waiting to see if the two of you go for food. If you do opt for an evening meet up, then follow the standard first date protocol and kick things off with a drink. Dates like these never last for more than an hour or so, and are a great way of feeling someone out and breaking the ice without sacrificing an evening, which is good if you’ve got a busy schedule. So don’t allow your virtual experience to build your hopes too high.
Tell Someone Where You’re Going
But for your first date, consider skipping out on the drinks or limiting yourself to a small amount with your meal. The last thing you want is to be blackout drunk with someone you’re just getting to know. It’s an obvious safety hazard, and it can also pose a major threat to the success of your relationship. Incoherent speech and spewing bile aren’t exactly a good look on most of us.
If you get a weird feeling from the other person, even if you can’t really put your finger on why, it’s totally fine to leave. You can make an excuse or just immediately call a car, but feeling uneasy doesn’t lead to a positive outcome. And when you’re meeting up with someone for the first time, “don’t go to their apartment or to a non-specific location,” says Engle.