One of the greatest things about college life is the opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences. Unfortunately what starts out as a lot of fun can end horribly. Meeting up with new potential partners should be a fun, exciting time, and it can be, if you keep some safety tips in mind. You can ensure your well-being by doing some planning right after you agree to go out with someone new.
Take cash
No one likes to be stuck in an uncomfortable situation. Making sure that you have a supply of cash on hand gives you the power to leave a distressing situation. It’s never a good idea to be totally dependent on someone you hardly know.And though it may seem like every place takes plastic, that isn’t the case. Knowing that you have what you need to take care of yourself can help you feel more in charge, no matter what the circumstances.
Meet up with your date
Rather than having your date pick you up, arrange to meet them at the planned destination. Just like with the first tip, having your own wheels available keeps you in control of the situation. If you feel distressed, leave immediately. Meeting your date also keeps your address under wraps. You should never share that type of personal information with someone who is a virtual stranger.
Plan an “escape route”
Set up a plan to call a trusted friend at a certain time. This not only lets your friend know that you are safe, but also gives you an “out” if the outing is disagreeable or unmanageable. If your friend can’t get ahold of you, there should be an action plan taken to ensure your security. Make sure that they have all of the details, including the complete name of your date and the specific locations where you are going, just in case they need to follow up if they don’t hear from you.
Say no, thank you
If your date asks you to go somewhere or do something that you don’t want to do, just tell them no. Don’t worry about hurting their feelings. Don’t worry that they won’t ask you out again. If they get upset about something as simple as this, you don’t want to go out with them again anyway! Find a pleasant way to tell them that you don’t want to do what they propose and offer up another suggestion of something you would both enjoy.
Go with another couple
Double dates may sound old-fashioned, but they are a great way to get to know someone new without being alone all evening with them. This may make the evening more enjoyable in general, but it will also make sure that you are safe.
Limit your alcohol intake
Even though we all know that alcohol makes us less inhibited, it is easy to overdo the drinking, especially in a situation where you may be nervous already. Dating can be stressful, but don’t allow yourself to become vulnerable because you have imbibed too much. In a situation where you don’t know the person you are with, you need to keep your wits about you in case you need them.
Keep your drink with you
Speaking of drinking, whether you have a soda or a beer in your glass make sure that you keep it in your sight at all times. This should be a standard practice no matter who you are with or where you are because it is oh so easy for someone to slip something in your drink that will make you an easy target.
Take your phone
This might go without saying since Millennials are rarely without their phones, but it is important that you have it with you and can easily access it if you need it. Make sure it is fully charged before you leave also, and make certain that important phone numbers that you might need in an emergency are pre-programmed in the phone.
Go somewhere public
If a private picnic or a party at a stranger’s house is suggested, tell your potential date that you want to go to the movies, the zoo, a restaurant, somewhere public. This is especially important if it isn’t possible for you to meet the date at the location. The last thing you want is to end up alone with a virtual stranger in the middle of nowhere.
Trust your instinct
The absolute best tip is to trust your gut feeling about people. If the person who asks you out makes you feel uneasy, simply say no to their invitation. Let them ask as often as they want, but just stay clear of them. Our instincts are important ways for our mind /body to tell us if there is danger around. Don’t talk yourself into going out with someone who sets off your “radar,” no matter what.