Meeting new people can be fun and exciting, but prioritising your safety is essential. Whether you’re exchanging initial messages or planning an in-person meetup, use good judgment and take precautions to protect yourself. While you can’t control others’ actions, you can follow these tips to make your dating experience safer.
Online Safety Tips
Avoid Sending Money or Sharing Financial Information
- Never send money, especially through wire transfers, even in emergencies. These transactions are almost impossible to reverse or trace.
- Protect your financial accounts by keeping sensitive information private.
- If someone asks for money, report the user immediately.
Safeguard Personal Information
- Avoid sharing personal details such as your social security number, home address, or daily routines.
- If you’re a parent, limit the information about your children in your profile or initial conversations. Avoid revealing their names, schools, or other personal details.
Stay Safe. Stay on the Platform
Use the platform’s messaging tools to communicate initially. Messaging on the platform helps protect against scams, as bad actors may try to move the conversation to other apps or email. It’s often not a good sign if someone is trying to move you to another platform or another way of communicating early in the conversation.
Report Suspicious Behavior
- Block and report users who violate terms, including:
– Requests for money or donations
– Harassment, threats, or inappropriate messages
– Fraudulent or spam profiles - Use the report feature directly from their profile if needed.
Protect Your Account
- Use strong passwords and avoid logging in from shared devices.
- Most responsible platforms will never ask for your password or SMS verification codes via email. Always report suspicious requests immediately.
Meeting in Person
Take Your Time
There is no need to rush into anything! Get to know someone well before meeting. And when you do decide to meet, always meet in public, well-populated spaces. Avoid meeting at your or your date’s home.
Always Tell a Friend or Family Member
Always try and share your plans, including the meeting location and time, with someone you trust. Keep your phone charged and accessible.
Control Your Transportation
Plan your transportation to and from the meeting to ensure independence, flexibility and most of all, trust. Have a backup plan ready, like a friend or colleague on standby.
Stay Aware
Stay on top of, and monitor your alcohol or drug consumption. If your date pressures you to exceed your comfort level, assert your boundaries and leave if necessary. Never be pushed into anything you are not comfortable with.
Keep Your Personal Belongings Secure
Never leave drinks or personal items unattended. Only accept drinks from waitresses, waiters or bartenders to avoid potential tampering.
Trust Your Instincts
If you feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to leave early. Seek help from nearby staff if necessary.
Sexual Health & Consent
Use Protection
Consistently using condoms can significantly reduce the risk of STIs. Be aware that some infections, like herpes or HIV can spread through skin contact.
Know Your Status
Regular STI testing helps protect your health and your partner’s. Many STIs can be asymptomatic, so don’t rely solely on symptoms.
Communicate Openly
Discuss sexual health and STI testing with your partner before becoming intimate. In some regions, knowingly transmitting an STI is a legal offense.
Staying safe while dating involves a mix of caution, open communication, and self-awareness. Following these tips can help ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
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