Safety Steps to Take Before Going on a First Date

By Alyssa Martinez @ItsMariaAlyssa

Before going on a first date, take some basic precautions to protect yourself. One important safety step is to tell a friend about the date, so they can check up on you. Another safety step is to have your own protection tools. This is important for several reasons. Knowing where to get Angel shots or to order protection tools can ensure that you are safe.

Getting a ride

There are a few reasons to get a ride before going on a first date. Firstly, you want to make sure you are safe! The last thing you want is a date with a dangerous driver. You should also consider the condition of the car. If the vehicle is not in great condition, you're at risk of being stolen or worse. Also, a new date may want to show off his or her driving skills, which can get you in hot water.

Secondly, you'll want to plan the route that you're going to take. If you live in a city, plan a route that will take you to your date's location. You'll want to avoid getting lost, so plan to use a scenic route.

Avoiding sharing too much on a dating site

Keeping your profile and contact details private is essential for the safety of your online dating life. Never include your contact details in your profile, and only disclose this information when it is safe. Remember, once you give out this information, you cannot get it back. If you feel pressured to disclose this information, stop communicating with the person.

Also, be very cautious about the photos you post on your dating profile. Keep in mind that these photos can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection. If you would not want your boss or parents to see them, don't post them!

Do a background check

If you're meeting someone from a dating site for the first time, it's a good idea to find out a little about them in advance. This could be something as small as checking their Facebook profile or doing a more thorough search online. You can also run a background check to find out if they have any criminal records.

While this seems extreme, there are some red flags about someone's online presence that would be readily apparent. Here are some of them:

- They have very few photos, or all of their photos are group shots.

- They don't list where they live, or their location is listed as "private."

- Their interests and activities seem strange or fake.

- You can't find anything about them online, no matter how hard you search.

If any of these things are true, you should proceed with caution.

Meeting in a public place

When meeting someone for the first time, it's always best to meet in a public place. This could be a coffee shop, bar, or even a park. This way, if things go wrong, you can easily leave and get help if you need it.

You should also let a friend or family member know where you're going and when you'll be back. This way, they can check in on you and make sure you're safe.

Planning your escape

It's always a good idea to have a plan for getting out of a bad situation. If you feel like you're in danger, or if the date is becoming uncomfortable, have a friend on call who can come and pick you up. If you're driving, know where the nearest gas station is so you can fill up your tank if you need to make a quick getaway.

If things start to go south, don't be afraid to end the date early. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Trusting your instincts

Many people often question whether they should go on a date. They may rationalize with themselves or convince themselves to go, only to discover later that they are not a good match. The important thing to remember is to listen to your gut. In many situations, it is best to follow your intuition.

You may not understand your gut reaction or even know whether it is instinct or bias. But your gut reaction is an instinct that we all have. It can be a powerful tool in our lives. It can lead us to find true love or steer us away from people who are not compatible with us. To be able to use your gut feeling as a tool in your relationship, you should always make sure to give yourself some time to process the feeling.