7 Safety Tips for Meeting Someone Online ...

1. Don't Rush into an in-Person Meeting

Safe dating over the internet means that you should avoid rushing into meeting someone in person.

Instead, you should spend time texting or speaking to someone over the phone to get a better sense of who they are and what their motivation is in meeting you.

Taking things slowly with your prospective partner before meeting in person will help you feel more comfortable at ease when the big first in-person date takes place.

It may be tempting to avoid waiting to meet someone in person, but by speaking to another person before you meet with them, you will learn a lot about a person and how they handle themselves.

2. Drive Yourself to a First Date

Your date may offer to pick you up to bring you on your first date, but this should be avoided.

By driving yourself to a first date, you maintain control of your experience to a certain extent. For example, if you go to a bar or restaurant with your date and ride in one car, you may be at the mercy of when the driver wants to leave.

In the event that the date doesn't go well, you may want to leave early, and if you are unable to hail a cab or order an Uber, you may be stuck there longer than you'd like.

When you get into a vehicle with a stranger or anyone else, they maintain control of the car. This means that if they've got dishonest intentions, they may not take you where you expect.

Driving yourself to a first date is a good way for you to ensure that you stay safe.

3. Meet in a Public Place

Meeting in a public place allows you to meet your internet companion around other people.

Besides being a fun idea, it's also safer because other people will be present in the area too. If you meet at a private place like a home or quiet park to chat, you risk putting yourself in a position where if something goes wrong, there will be no witnesses.

Being in a public place will also help ease some of the stress and uncertainty you may feel over that first meeting. For example, a public place will allow you to have a conversation with your date about things you both notice while you are there.

This can range from people, pets, or other random events that you see while relaxing in a public place together.

4. Tell a Friend or a Loved One

Arguably the best decision you can make when you meet someone from the internet is that you share your plan in advance with a friend or a loved one.

The person you choose to tell about your plan should be someone that you trust and respect. They should also be a person that you speak to regularly. While you shouldn't be paranoid about meeting someone in person, it's a good idea to give your friend or family member a timeline of when you expect to be home for the night.

If your date is running later than you expect, but you want to stick around, excuse yourself to the bathroom and text your friend or loved one to give them an update on your current status.

By staying in communication with your friend or loved one, you will help to give yourself a better chance to have a safer and enjoyable experience.

5. Stay Sober

Meeting someone from the internet for the first time is one where you should ensure you remain sober.

If you are meeting at a bar or restaurant on your first date, you don't need to avoid drinking altogether. You should have a good sense of what your drinking limits are and keep track of what and how much you drink.

Besides counting your drinks, you need to be protective of your beverages as well. Whether you are drinking a mixed drink or something non-alcoholic, don't leave your drink unattended at any time on your first date.

If you are on a date with the wrong person, leaving your drink unattended can allow that person to spike your beverage, which can put yourself in a perilous situation.

It's important to know what is going on during your date and always be aware of your surroundings.

6. Carry Pepper Spray

It's worth carrying pepper spray in your purse or bag to ensure you are safe on your first date.

Although it will give you peace of mind, you should ensure you know how to use it and feel comfortable with this in your hand.

Bringing pepper spray may seem like overkill to you at first glance, but it's better to be safe than sorry. This is especially important if you are on a date with someone that makes you feel uncomfortable or that puts you in danger.

7. Video Chat before Your Date

In today's digital age, you can learn a lot about someone before you ever meet them in person.

Beyond an internet or social media search to learn more about a person, you can get a look at someone on a video chat platform like FaceTime or Zoom. Seeing someone in person before meeting up with them will give you a good look at how they handle themselves.

You will be able to note their mannerisms and how they make you feel based on other body language and physical cues.

Be Careful Meeting Someone Online

Meeting someone online can be fun, but you can't afford to overlook the importance of your safety.

Taking time to consider what you want out of your dating experience and how to keep yourself safe in the process will help you have a more enjoyable experience.

Are you interested in learning other ways to improve your daily life? Check out our blog post section to learn helpful tips and tricks to help you today!