How To Be Safe When Dating Online

Internet dating has many benefits. This is the reason so many couples are finding love online with the boom of the computer-savvy generation. First dates from online dating sites can be fun, but scary at the same time.

If you date the wrong person, there is a small chance the date could be dangerous. This is why you should always prepare before you head out.

There are several articles here at Datepad about general first date and internet dating safety– and I suggest that you read them! Here, however, I’ll talk about the different things you should bring along on a date to help keep you safe. Because it’s not just about what you do beforehand that matters… it’s the resources you have on the date itself that can make all the difference.

A mobile phone. A cell phone lands in the number one spot for a very important reason: if you meet up with the wrong person, your cell phone can make the difference between getting home safely and not getting home at all. Be sure to have a phone on hand to call for help if you need it, and to call somebody to pick you up if it comes to that. Before you leave the house, double-check that your battery is fully charged and everything is working fine. You don’t want to be caught without this important tool at an inopportune moment.

A reliable friend’s phone number. If you’ve driven a car to a date that’s gone horribly wrong and are worried that your date might follow you home –something that, unfortunately, occasionally does happen– be sure you have somebody you can contact to meet you there when you arrive. Call them in the car on the way home, and request that they either meet you at your home, or that they allow you to come to their house until you’re sure the coast is clear. Sure, it may sound a little dramatic, but… better safe than sorry.

Breath mints. When you are on a date and are getting nervous, it is very easy to start over-drinking to take the edge off the nervous feelings. With having a few mints on hand, you can have a clean breath and stay away from the alcohol slamming problem.

A map. Especially if you use public transport or go on foot, nothing is more dangerous than wandering around a city at night by yourself –or with somebody you can’t trust– with no knowledge of where you are. Be sure you have a map with you so you know were you are. And exactly how to get home.

Your own mode of transportation. No matter how convenient or tempting it might be, it’s always a bad idea to get a ride with somebody you don’t know– especially if you meet them on an internet dating site. Not only will they have the ability to take you just about anywhere they want when you’re in their car, when they drive you home they’ll also get to see where you live. There’s a time and a place for trusting somebody that way, but the first date isn’t it.