The five rules
- Verify first (Guide 22).
- Meet in public (Guide 20).
- Control your own transport.
- Have a check-in plan. One trusted person, or a scheduled message to yourself.
- Trust your gut (Guide 21).
Safety and discretion pull in different directions
Telling a friend where you'll be is the best safety step and the biggest privacy risk. Options: tell someone you fully trust, use a location-sharing app with a safety contact (not your partner), or schedule a "safe arrival" text to a number only you control.
Before, during, after
- Before: video call, reverse-image check, agree the venue.
- During: keep your drink in sight, stay sober enough to decide clearly, keep your phone on you.
- After: debrief with yourself. Did it match the person you chatted with?
FAQs
Is it safe to meet someone from a dating site?
Most meetings go fine, and most of the risk is managed with basic precautions.
Should I tell someone where I'm going?
Yes, if you can do it without compromising privacy, via a trusted friend or a scheduled check-in.
What if I feel unsafe mid-meeting?
Leave. You owe no explanation.