So you’ve met someone online and are setting up your first meeting. Other than what to wear and wondering whether they will be as good looking as they look in their profile picture, there are some other things to consider:
Simple tips for a safe first date.
Keep things private until you trust them: Don’t give too much information about yourself away until you know you can trust the person you’re with. Details like your home address should be kept private until you know them better. It sounds obvious but very easy to drop stuff like this into the conversation without thinking.
Talk on the phone first: This is a really good way of sounding someone out before you meet them. While emails and texts are fine – the sound of a voice will give you a good idea what they are like.
Meet in a public place: When meeting a stranger, it’s always a good idea to be somewhere public when there are lots of other people around. Coffee shops or bars make good first date meeting places. A walk in the woods? Save that for a few dates in.
Take your own transport: If you’re not meeting somewhere with public transport, take your own. This means you can leave whenever you want.
Tell someone you are going on a date: Tell your flatmate or a family member where you are going, how long you expect to be and who you are meeting. Apart from anything, this will probably ease your first date nerves!
Stop at two drinks: It’s very easy for one drink to become two, then three, then four…. But best keep your wits about you the first time your meet someone. And if you do get drunk they won’t see you at your best.
Don’t ignore red flags: If they make strange comments or act too familiar too quickly, trust your instincts.
Google: Don’t you just love a quick Google (we do!) Most people have Facebook and LinkedIn pages – and you can see if you have any friends in common. This is always good for a bit of conversation fodder.
Any other tips you want to share Lovestruckers? Tell us @lovestruck
Tweet
