First Date Safety Tips
How often do you prepare yourself for a difficult situation before it’s looking you right in the eye? How often do you think about what you will say to the police officer when he pulls you over for speeding, or how you will react when a loved one dies? If I had to guess, these scenarios don’t run through your head often enough to make you feel prepared when they actually do happen.
Take a moment to think about what you would do if you found yourself dealing with being mistreated by someone you are dating. Especially during the beginning stages of the relationship, it is important to follow these guidelines to ensure that you are free from harm.
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Make sure you tell other people where you are going.
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Tell your mom, roommate, best friend what your plans are and when they should expect you to be home. If you don’t already share their location with your person of contact, consider sharing it with them for the night.
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Have your first few dates in a public place.
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Make plans to go to a restaurant, a coffee house, or even a public park with this new person. Try to limit the amount of time you spend with your date away from other people before you feel that you can fully depend on them.
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Watch how much you drink.
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Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink when you are just getting to know someone. Make sure you stay aware of your surroundings and can gauge the intentions of your date.
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Trust your instincts.
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Honor your uncomfortable feelings. Feeling uneasy or unsafe is reason enough to end a date early. You do not owe the other person anything. If you aren’t feeling it, get out!
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Match your body language with your words.
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Be assertive and let the other person know if you are feeling uneasy. Don’t smile and say “no thanks,” keep a stern composure and tell them in a meaningful tone, “I do not want to do that.” Don’t go along with his/her plans to please them. Make it known that you are not going to be pushed around.
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