Safe Dating
One of the most essential pieces of advice about dating is to keep yourself safe at all times. Do not put yourself in awkward situations that can turn ugly. Although some of these tips apply more specifically to women than to men, they are significant to anyone whom is dating.
If you and your date are not very familiar with each other, tell the person you will meet him or her at the arranged location. Provide your own transportation so that you are free to leave if it becomes necessary. If you don’t own a car, have someone you trust drop you off and be readily available or “on call” to pick you up if things turn bad.
It is also best to avoid being completely alone or being in a secluded place with someone you don’t know well. First of all, you are both likely to be more nervous, which will keep either one of you from enjoying the date. More importantly, you could be risking your safety or reputation. For women, you could be setting yourself up for an assault. For men, you could be setting yourself up for an accusation.
It simply makes good sense to go out with a group until you get to know the other person well. If this isn’t possible, meet somewhere public where there are lots of other people around.
Next, do not let anyone talk you into anything you are uncomfortable doing. This applies to sexual activity as well as going to places you prefer not to go. For example, do not let someone talk you into going to a rough club or a sexually explicit movie if it makes you uncomfortable. Suggest something else instead. You don’t owe the other person a thing, just because he or she took you out.
Your date should respect your wishes. If someone insists on pressuring you to do things you would rather not do, you should leave. Just be glad that you found out early that the person cares more about his or her own selfish desires than about you, and move on.
Never be self-conscious about making a scene if it becomes necessary. If your date is threatening you, hurting you, or otherwise making you uncomfortable, speak loudly and bluntly, to call attention to the behavior. With others watching, he or she is likely to leave, or at the least, back off. Soon after, you should leave so the person doesn’t change his or her mind and come back. Just make sure you have an escort to your vehicle or someone waits with you until your ride shows up.
If you need help, do not be embarrassed to call for security or phone someone you trust to come and get you. Things can get out of control before you know it, especially if alcohol is involved. If your date becomes aggressive or abusive, or is drunk and tries to drive, call for help immediately. It is much better to be safe than sorry.
