How to ensure your safety on a date

Hi Chris,

We have been swapping war stories in the office, and I have begun to realise just how risky dating can be! How can girls stay safe when they’re with someone new?

Safe

Chris says,

Hi Safe!

Dating can be scary. So it is best to only date people you already know something about. Like you met through work or mutual friends.

But what if you meet someone completely new?

Ask him where he lives. You won’t want to give exact addresses to begin with, but if he’s vague or you suspect a lie, you should wonder why. He could be a con artiste.

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Let someone know where you are going, and make sure they will be able to take your call if need be.

He may offer to pick up, but it is best to meet at the venue on a first date unless you already know him well. Making your travel arrangements also puts you in control of the timing, and you don’t have to rely on your date staying sober. He tries to insist on coming to your house. Bail out.

Take enough cash to get you home should things go wrong. And meet somewhere busy. Quiet might sound romantic, but not for a first meeting.

The safest are daytime coffee dates. Or a private party where you know the hosts. Refuse suggestions like his place or yours.

Quickly drop a man who misses dates or changes them at the last minute, makes a whole lot of phone calls, or tries to borrow money from you.

Watch for signs that your date is not what he seems. Like playing with his ring finger as if something’s missing suggesting he is married. Getting uptight with waitstaff over nothing suggests anger issues.

Watch for any sort of weird behaviour. If something feels wrong, it almost certainly is.

Need to escape? Head for the washrooms. Alter your appearance by adding or removing clothing or changing your hair around. And slip away. Don’t look back as you leave.

Hopefully, everything will always go well. But always watch out.

All the best,

Chris