People who have developed a relationship on online datingsooner or later come to a decision on whether to meet in person. It is an exciting moment, especially if you have developed strong feelings for your partner. However, since you still do not know each other well enough, you had better take these precautions to stay safe:
Don’t Rush
Meeting in person when you don’t know your partner well is not the best idea, especially if you’ve met on an international dating site. Take your time, ask questions, and get more information about your partner. Get to know each other well before agreeing to meet.
Choose Public Places for the First Meeting
A crowded, public place is the best place to take your partner for a first date. Don’t meet in a private, secluded or suspicious locations like an apartment, a dodgy night club or other places where you do not feel safe, especially if your date insists on it.
Tell Your Friends and Family Where You Are Going
You can also take extra precautions – tell your friends or relatives where and with whom you are going and when you are planning to return. Make sure that you can call them from your cell phone if something goes wrong.
Be Careful With Alcohol
You are better being careful with alcohol, or better yet, staying sober altogether. Alcoholic drinks will influence your judgment, slow your reaction, or lead to unwise decisions. If you choose to drink on the first meeting with your online partner, keep an eye on your drinks for any substances being added.
Use Your Own Transport
Use your own transport to go on the first date with a person you’ve met on a dating site. It’s safer not to let your date give you a ride.
Take Care of Your Health
In a real relationship, people usually come to a decision to have sex with each other. Therefore,it is very important to take care of your sexual health and ensure your safety while having sexual encounters with other people.
Use Reliable Mechanisms of Protection
If you don’t want to contract or pass on an STD, don’t forget about condoms or other means of protection. Use them consistently to lower your risks. But also keep in mind that some kinds of STDs can be transmitted even if you are using a condom.
Talk With Your Partner About Sex
It is necessary to have a conversation with your partner about sex, before having it. You should be honest with each other and clarify such important issues as your number of previous partners and the last time each of you was tested for STDs. Also, even if one of you develops an STD that is curable, both of you need to start treatment as soon as possible.