When it comes to modern dating, we’ve all heard the horror stories. The stories that grace the pages of tabloids and glossy magazines about dates that went wrong in the most sinister ways. While a lot of the time these sensationalised articles are written to evoke some form of fear, they also serve as a sobering reminder that while dating can be an exhilarating journey filled with excitement and the potential for deep connection, it also requires a level of vigilance and caution to ensure personal safety.
For successful singles embarking on their dating journey, understanding how to stay safe while dating is paramount. In the pursuit of romance and companionship, safety should never be compromised. Ensuring proper precautions not only protects you from potential physical, emotional, and financial harm but it also gives you peace of mind and allows you to feel more confident and in control and ultimately enjoy your dating experience more fully.
We’ve shared our top tips and strategies to help you navigate the dating world securely. Whether you’re meeting someone through a matchmaking service or an online dating app, ensuring your personal safety is essential.
Research your date
As pointed out by Founder, Director of Operations and Training and Senior Security Consultant, Simon Morgan in our latest podcast “always do your research or allow someone else to do it for you, to make sure you’re completely satisfied with who you’re meeting.” Thanks to our digitally connected world, a simple online search can provide useful information about your potential date. Information that can then be cross checked with their social media profiles to ensure consistency and authenticity.
If you would prefer a more detailed insight into the person that you are potentially going to be dating, consider using a matchmaking service that offers digital footprint and ID checks. This additional layer of security ensures that your potential date has been vetted by a third party.
Digital safety
Be mindful of the information you share with any potential dates. Avoid giving out your home address, work details, or financial information until you’ve met that person and are sure that they’re someone you see a connection with.
Quite often it’s easy to forget that this information doesn’t have to be verbal or written. It can be just as easily given away in photos. Avoid using photos on your dating profile that are taken outside your home, include you in your work uniform or that are used on your social media channels or business profiles as these can easily be reverse image searched, allowing people to find out more about you than you may want them to know in those initial stages.
Meet in public places
For the first few dates, avoid secluded locations and instead choose public places such as cafes, restaurants, or bars as the backdrop for your meeting. These settings are safer and allow you to feel more comfortable and in control. Plus, thanks to national safety campaigns such as Ask for Angela, these venues often have staff trained to help you get out of an awkward situation easily – should the worse-case scenario arise.
Inform a friend or family member
Always let a trusted friend or family member know where you’re going and who you’re meeting. Share your date’s details and your plans for the evening including the date location, the time you are meeting and your expected time to arrive home. It’s also good practice to arrange to check in with them at a certain time. With the advent of technology, you can also share your location with loved ones, so they can track where you are.
Use your own transportation
Drive yourself, use public transport or use a ride-sharing service to get to and from the date. This gives you the freedom to leave at any point if you feel uncomfortable. While it may be offered, avoid relying on your date for transportation until you trust them fully.
Trust your instincts
There’s a reason that people always tell you to trust your gut. Your intuition is a powerful tool. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. It’s far better to be cautious and end the date early if you’re uncomfortable than to ignore any red flags and live to regret the decision. The right person will understand your concerns, should you choose to share them at a later date.
Personal boundaries
Set clear personal boundaries from the start. Communicate your comfort levels and respect your date’s boundaries as well. Healthy boundaries are essential for mutual respect and safety at all stages of the relationship, not just the initial early dates.
Dating is an exciting journey, but it’s crucial to prioritise your safety at every step. By following these tips and trusting your instincts, you can enjoy your dating experiences with greater peace of mind. Remember, the right person will respect your need for safety and appreciate your efforts to protect yourself.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and enjoy the journey of finding love.
If you’re single and looking to gain peace of mind when dating so you can enjoy a dating journey that will leave you feeling confident, energised and safe, then get in touch with our team of expert matchmakers today.
