How to Have a Safer First Date

There is a fine line between the excitement of a first date and feeling that something isn't quite right. It's somewhat similar, with one outcome much less desirable. Learn how to enjoy all of your dates with these safe dating tips you might not have thought of.

Meet in a Busy Public Place

Hispanic couple eating together at cafe — Rick Gomez/Blend Images/Getty Images

Someone once told me they felt safer in the middle of New York City than Detroit because in New York City there's always someone around.

You want to use the same mentality with your dates: make sure there's always someone around no matter where you're meeting.

Use Your Own Transportation

Although it is chivalrous if your date wants to pick you up at your house or place of employment, safe dating doesn't include allowing a stranger to come to your home at this stage of the game.

Plan to drive, take the bus, walk, or bike to your date, especially if the date is a first-time meeting. Then at the end of the date, if the sparks aren't flying, you aren't obliged to accept their offer of transportation.

Watch Your Alcohol Intake

Alcohol impairs judgment - something you'll need in spades when getting to know someone new. Avoid drinking or using anything that might impair your judgment on the first few dates, where possible.

But if you do feel compelled to drink on a date, make sure it's within your sight at all times, and keep it to one or two drinks at the most to reduce the inhibition-losing side of things.

Have Backup

woman using phone on date — borchee/Getty Images

Even if you ignore all of the other safe dating rules listed here, this is the one to follow above all others. Make sure that you have a friend to check up on you during your date, whether by text message, phone call, or other means you feel comfortable with.

For some people that might mean calling a friend when you arrive at the location and then an hour into the date, although having a friend call you 15 minutes into the date to make sure you are okay is also a good idea. Other suggestions include telling a staff member (such as a barista or waiter) you're on a first date, double dating with friends, or using a safe call app.

Give Out Your Cell Number

If you'd like to spend more time with your date before or after the first meeting, give out your cell number instead of your home or work phone numbers. Why?

Reverse directories compile your home number and personal information from telephone books for anyone willing to search, whereas most cell services keep this information private.

Give Details in Measured Doses

When getting to know someone, try and keep things light and fun at the beginning. Not only does this make for a more pleasant dating experience for everyone, but it also shows your date that you aren't a victim.

Many a romance scam is based on tugging at the heartstrings of a lonely single, whether they're recently divorced or just out of a bad relationship.

Listen To Your Gut

If something doesn't feel right, don't question it. These things happen, and even though it may just be that either or both of you are having an off day, it is much better to cut things short than linger while trying to figure out what's bugging you.

Politely say that you have to leave because you aren't feeling well, and make haste immediately should your intuition tell you something is off.

Don't Involve Your Kids

woman using smartphone with two kids — Trevor Adeline/Getty Images

Some singles go so far as to state they have no children in their online dating profiles so as not to attract someone who might want to prey upon them. But that really isn't necessary if you keep your children and your dating life separate.

Don't put pictures of you and your kids up on a dating site (or for that matter on any website that you cannot control who can, and cannot see your photos). Don't let your children meet your date until things are serious and a couple of months into the relationship, even if it's "accidental" or easier.