Staying Safe on a First Date: Essential Tips for a Secure Experience

What if he’s not at all what you expected? What if he’s a maniac? Meeting a stranger for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. The worst-case scenario is when your fears are confirmed, and the person turns out to be suspicious, sending shivers down your spine with just a glance. It’s crucial to have a plan to protect yourself if things go south. Here are some tips to ensure your safety.

Protect Your Personal Information

It’s highly recommended to use a separate account on dating sites to prevent admirers from finding you on other social media platforms. In the age of neural networks, it’s challenging to remain unrecognized if you share your photos, but this precaution can still deter some persistent individuals. Sharing too much personal information can lead to unwanted attention, such as someone taking out a loan in your name or showing an unhealthy interest in your work. For instance, if you’re a video blogger, they might ask you to mention them in your next video, or if you’re a police officer, they might try to get their rights reinstated.

Choose a Meeting Spot in a Different Neighborhood

While it’s convenient to meet someone close to home, what if your new acquaintance turns out to be unpleasant and clingy? You wouldn’t want to lose your favorite local bar if he starts frequenting it constantly, leading to unwanted encounters. Suggest meeting at a place you haven’t been to before. This way, you’ll also get to explore new spots and create fresh memories.

Inform Someone About Your Plans

Send a message to your best friend letting them know where you’ll be on Friday evening. This old-school precaution is still very effective. Don’t forget to agree on a “code word” to use during a call if you need help.

Prepare an Excuse in Advance

If you suddenly say you have a stomachache or need to go home to work, it might seem suspicious. Plan a call from a friend who needs urgent help. If your friends also use dating apps, they might have some good ideas to share.

Carry a Specific Amount of Cash

You wouldn’t want to be in a situation where the waiter brings the bill, and it turns out the man either forgot his wallet at home or intentionally suggests splitting the cost, while you only have 200 rubles in your pocket, which you need for a taxi. Carry enough money to avoid tempting potential robbers, don’t use a credit card, and order only as much food as you can afford to pay for yourself.

Don’t Let Him Walk You Home

It might seem natural to ask for an escort home, especially if you’re scared to walk alone at night. However, if you don’t want a man you’ve just met to know where you live and potentially try to get into your apartment, plan your way home in advance.

Don’t Trust Too Quickly

It’s easy to get carried away if he makes a good first impression, and you start imagining all the things you could do together in the future. Don’t be fooled. There’s a high chance he might be a strange person. No matter how charming he seems, there could be hidden red flags.

Don’t Feel Guilty for Being Cautious

It’s perfectly normal to leave a date just because you don’t like his height or beard. If you feel obligated to stay for an hour just to be polite, you’re only making things worse. It’s also okay to let people know if you feel unsafe.

Some bars abroad have started putting up signs in women’s restrooms about the “Angel Shot” cocktail. This is a code phrase indicating that the customer needs help. If you order it “neat,” the bartender will walk you to your car. If you order it “on the rocks,” the bartender will call a taxi for you. If you order it “with lime,” they will call the police. Hopefully, this idea will catch on in our country as well.