The Evolution of Safer Dating
It started with the mixers and the parties, then came the clubs and the bars, and now we see singles meeting online through dating and social networking sites.
Regardless of where you meet new people, you should always consider your safety first. Some argue that worrying so much about safety puts a damper on the whole dating experience. Untrue. Think about it, we do some of the following personal safety precautions every day, almost instinctually:
• Putting on a seat belt in the car
• Looking both ways before crossing the street
• Applying sunscreen when sunbathing
• Learning CPR
• Wearing a life vest while boating
These are great examples of accepted ways in which we are prepared and aware of how to avoid a hazardous situation.
While dating online, you still want to practice ways that eliminate potential hazards and although it may not sound romantic, your personal safety could be at risk if you ignore certain precautions. Here are a few of our recommendations that should help you be more prepared and aware while dating:
• Before going out, gather information on your date and share that information with friends and family. Keeping any romance a secret could lead to serious complications later.
• Be vague. You’re not being deceptive if you tell someone you live in a big city instead of saying you live in a specific town.
• Make sure your first date is in a public place and agree to meet them versus having them pick you up at home.
• Have someone call and check up on you sometime during the evening. You can always use code words to get out of an uncomfortable situation.
• Finally, before you go out with someone, make sure to always run a background check. Your safety is worth it!
While we’ve all evolved to the ever changing dynamics of dating, especially online, we still need to work on the adaption to a new set of safety precautions. Share these tips with your friends and family so one day they’ll be as instinctual as wearing a seat belt.
