Arrange to meet
When meeting for the first time, never suggest that the person you're meeting picks you up from your home. Keep your personal details personal.
Meet in public places
For a first meeting, always meet in a public place where other people are in close proximity. You may also want to consider going out with a group of people to a munch or a social. Safety in numbers. Not always easy if you're off out dogging, I realise that's pretty much impossible but I'd always meet someone in a public place before I thought about going out dogging. Stay in a public place for your first meet.
Pay your own way
Whilst it's lovely to be taken out, I'm always happier paying my own way. It's not a bad idea for you to go dutch. Pay half the bill so that you won't feel under any obligations to be dessert!
Remember that alcohol affects your judgment
The biggest threat to a person's judgement, when on a meet, is alcohol. Not only does it affect your judgement, but alcohol also lessens your inhibitions. If you are drinking, keep your drink in sight at all times and don’t get so drunk that you don’t know what you are doing. Better yet, try to avoid alcohol on your first meet.
Use your own mode of transportation
Provide your own transportation to your public meeting place and make sure you have more than enough petrol or money for a taxi home.
Trust your instincts
If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. And if you haven’t met him/her before, and you know at the beginning of the meet that something doesn’t feel right, then leave immediately.
Always let someone else know where you're going
Be sure someone knows where you are going and who you'll be with. I'm not suggesting that you tell your parents but let a friend you trust know where you're off to and who you're meeting. Whilst I appreciate the need for discretion, my safety is more important. You might even consider arranging a time to phone and check in with them. I also usually leave a note in my flat so that worst case scenario there's information there should someone need it.
Phone numbers
Use a mobile number. Don't give out your home number.
Keep your wits about you
Even if you’re having a blast and the chemistry is great, it’s a good idea to remain alert the whole evening. Make sure you have a phone on you.
Safe sex
I'm not going to say much on this one, it goes without saying for me but not for some. Use your head (and a condom)!
Perhaps I'm over cautious but being a single female I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I've never had any problems (*touches wood quickly*) so far and long may that continue but with stories in the news and especially the most recent one it doesn't hurt to keep thinking safety.
:scared:
Play safe girls and boys!
:lol:
