Safety in any social situation is important . . .
It is indeed surprising that when polled almost 35% people could recount at least one incident when they went on a date to a lonely place in a vehicle that was not their own with a person they were dating for the first time. We at Country Lover like to think that most came through these situations because most people are decent, and we are probably right, but with so many unpleasant incidents increasingly hitting the headlines today many may just be plain lucky. Either way there are no situations, online or in any real world social situation (at the Bar/restaurant/country park/beach) where you can be "TO" careful.
Why people don't play safe . . .
It comes down to psychology, our minds do not equate caution with fun and dating is supposed to be fun. In a bid to enjoy ourselves we often take risks and do things we would not normally do. As a result we can be exposing ourselves to risks. Unforeseen risks are one thing but "overlooked" risk is unnecessary and avoidable. Dating is about having fun . . .
and we do hope you have fun. However, we also want you to stay safe while dating. Safety does not have to spoil the fun. You don't need to be accompanied by an army of minders, nor do you have to have prospective date screened. To start you off here is a well thought out ‘precaution list' to help keep you safe and free to enjoy your self Tell Someone . . .
This is the most important rule, and yet the one that most people ignore because they are too embarrassed to tell someone to look out for them there is no need to be embarrassed as this rule is equally valid with dates set up through friends and people you met at a party, not just dates set up online. If you are going out on a date make sure someone knows your itinerary and calls you at your home or your office (not on your mobile phone), at the time you are scheduled to be back, to ensure you got back safe. Drive your own vehicle . . .
Don't share a ride on the first date and arrive in your own vehicle. This is important as; you are in control of your own movements ensuring you won't be driven off to a quite corner of town and it helps you in not giving out your address to someone you don't know and. If that is unmanageable ask a friend to drop in and pick you up, or pre book a taxi. if it must be public transport or a walk home at the very least say your goodbyes while in a busy public place before heading home, or have a friend meet you for the bus. Seeing that you have people around you whom you can trust can put of people who may not have the best intentions. Set a start and an end time . . .
It is imperative that you have a set start and end time for the date. If you don't like the person it will be a relief to walk away without spending interminable hours with them. If you like the person it will keep you from looking desperate and ignite greater interest from your date. From the safety perspective it will keep you to a known schedule and will enable a friend to track your date more easily. Meet for lunch at a public place . . .
Never agree to meet anyone at their house for the first few dates. Meet at a public place. Also try to meet for lunch as it is much safer than the dinner alternative and much quicker too. A short meeting for coffee is equally good. Watch what you eat and drink . . .
It is important be alert to what you are eating and drinking especially if your date is serving you. Do not drink large amounts of alcohol and do not leave the table with your drink still filled. If you have to go to the loo, ask for a fresh drink when you return. Unfinished drinks are the easiest to pour drugs into. Remember that a little paranoia may be what keeps you safe. Watch out for Red flags . . .
listen carefully, red flags can be easy to spot. If there are inconsistencies in what a person has told you previously and what they tell you now and this makes you uncomfortable. or confused, don't take time to be nice. Just make an excuse and leave. ‘You are in control' . . .
If you feel uncomfortable remind yourself that you are the one in control. At no point should anyone be able to pressure you into doing something you don't want to do. Safety is not as much about logic as it is about comfort. If you think you are uncomfortable but can't pinpoint the reason, listen to your instincts and just leave. Follow these precautions for the first few dates with anyone no matter how you met or were introduced and you'll never land up in a sticky situation! Be safe when dating and enjoy yourself!
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