There are butterflies in the stomach, thrills, and excitement that go through your body when meeting a person for the first time face to face. No matter how elated you are, you must remember to be cautious. Remember this person is a complete stranger. Below are some tips to help you have the safest experience with online dating.
Now that the time has come for you to meet your date for the first time, it is very important that the two of you agree on a place to meet. This should not be your home or work place. You have no reason to disclose your home or work address at all.
The place that the two of you agree upon should be in a well populated place. It may not even be a bad idea to go out on a double date or to go out with a group of people. Of course this may make it a little awkward for the two of you to get to know one another, but it may make you feel more comfortable. If this is not the case just be sure to stay away from secluded areas. Drive yourself to your date.
Of course men have always been taught to pay the bill on a date. The problem with this is, often times men feel as though they should get something in return. The quickest way to solve this is to go dutch. Pay half of the bill so that he is not looking at you expecting some sort of happy ending. It seems so far fetched, but it is very true.
It is best to make your first date a lunch or coffee meeting. This way if things are not going the way you planned, you are not stuck with this stranger for 2 hours. If you have made plans for dinner, limit yourself to one glass of wine. It would be nice if you could avoid alcohol all together, but your date may not want to drink if you don’t. Just keep in mind that drinking does impair your judgment, on the same token it may relax you a bit. Just be cautious.
You may feel so comfortable with this person during the time of getting to know each other online and over the phone, but it is important for you to remember this person is an unfamiliar add to your life. Do not assume that this man is safe and that he will be he the same fun, loving person that he was over the phone. Don’t even assume that he will look like the person that you saw in pictures. You must come to this first date (without being freaked out) prepared for anything. Even after the date has begun do not let his sweet stories and chivalry distort the fact that you do not know him.
Before you leave the house, tell your family and friends your whereabouts. Tell them who the person is, their number and perhaps even their username. It may seem weird, but you could even have a friend go to the same coffee shop that you are going to and sit somewhere away from you and your date.
This is by no means an attempt to scare you from meeting people face to face that you’ve met online, but it is imperative that you are completely aware of your surroundings and aware of the fact that you will be meeting someone that you do not know. By creating a safe environment to know the person, you’re creating a better situation for yourself.
