DATING SAFETY

Dating can be a fun and rewarding experience. Unfortunately, dating also has a dark side not to be overlooked. Although meeting new people can be fun, many dates start off with being asked out by a stranger. Although, you may want to go on a date with this person, always be cautious.

For unknown reasons, people who won’t give out any personal information over the phone will date a stranger without making inquiries about their residence. If you are asked out on a date, ask that person where he/she lives. If they don’t tell you, they could either be lying or hiding something.  Reasons for not providing an address may include:

•they  live in a bad neighborhood;

•they don’t have a permanent residence or could be homeless;

•they live with mommy and daddy; and

•they may have a spouse

If dating a total stranger, it may be best to meet at a public place. This gives you an advantage. Here are a few of them:

•You can decide when you want to leave;

•If your not comfortable giving your address to a stranger, a public place is best; and

•If your date gets intoxicated, you can drive yourself home.

Here are some ideas for great public meeting places. These places are typically full of people:

•Lunch or Breakfast date

•Coffee Shop

•Art Museum

•Dessert date

Now, here are some not-so-good meeting places to meet:

•The woods

•After hours at a local park

•His or her home

•Alone on a beach

Some of these not-go-good places may be fine after getting to know your date but may not be suitable for a first date.  Other tips include carrying your own money in case you need to leave. Also, if possible, let a friend or relative know about your date or bring them along…strength comes in numbers.

If you are feeling really uncomfortable about a date, follow your intuition and just say no. It’s definitely better to be safe than worry about hurting someone’s feelings.  When dating, always take safety measures.