It is paramount to ensure your safety with online dating. Online dating has become so popular that most people have jumped onto the trend of creating their profiles. While dating is alive and well, it’s important to keep in mind how to stay safe when meeting up with people you don’t know very well. Here is a list of tips that will help in safeguarding your well being as advised by the top sites for dating.
Do Your Research
Everyone that wants to settle on a particular dating site has to do due diligence by doing a simple online search before meeting your date. That does not involve using unscrupulous means to obtain the information like stalking but you have to make sure you have at least some idea as to who the person is. Try to find pictures and see what additional information comes up about the person. You can go as far as incorporating some of the popular social media platforms to get your information.
Use A Google Voice Number
Instead of using your usual phone number, to take your safety a step further, you can get a free Google Voice phone number. With the Google Voice app, you’re able to check your calls, voicemails and messages without giving out your real number. You can also block anyone who comes across a little sketchy. Keep your phone number secure and only for people you feel comfortable with.
Video Chat
It is a wise move to have a Video Chat with your online partner before the meeting. There are so many ways to video chat that might include using FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype and even Facebook. It’s a good idea to get a glimpse of your date before meeting him or her. This could also help to reduce the risk of being catfished by someone claiming to be someone he or she is not. You can also opt to chat by phone before the first date. Go old school and reach out by phone before your first date. Calls help in picking up certain verbal cues that may be hidden through instant messaging or texts. Additionally, this gives you the chance to cast better judgment on the individual before the first meeting.
Drive Yourself
Use your means to reach the place you have decided to meet up. Don’t accept the invitation to carpool. Take your vehicle or use public transportation. By carpooling, your date would find out where you live and essentially have control over where you will take your vehicle. It also lowers the risk of putting yourself in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation because you’ll be in control over where you go.
Make The Meeting Public
Meet up in a public place for the first date or avoid going private with your date. Instead, meet at a public place. You can use places like restaurants, cafes, skating rinks or other public places where there’s typically a good crowd if you feel uncomfortable. Additionally, this allows a family member or friend to be present or in the vicinity should something go wrong.
Always Involve a Friend
Let someone else know who your date is, where you are going, when you expect to be home, and any other important details. Most dating sites suggest that you should do this as one of the main tips for a safe and successful first date. It gives you the comfort of knowing someone else while your closest circle knows where you are supposed to be if something goes wrong
Have Protection
You need to carry something to offer you protection if things go wrong. Pepper spray can be used if things go wrong on your date. It’s better to be prepared than not. Hopefully, you won’t have to use it but it is better to be safe than sorry. Be sure that you know how to use your pepper spray should you decide to carry it.
Avoid Getting Intoxicated
Not staying sober is one of the biggest mistakes that people tend to make while meeting an online date. Drinking without being mindful of your date’s intentions can turn out to be costly. By being alert a lot of ill-mannered advances can be mitigated.
With the growth of online presence, dating today has been largely affected. However, with the landscape of dating changing, it’s still important to keep your safety in mind. When meeting with people you don’t know very well it is important to have all the tips above at your fingertips.
Comments are closed.