Safety Tips And Ideas For A First Date
You've found someone who seems interesting, you've talked online and sent emails to each other and now it's time to meet. So how do you stay safe when meeting a stranger from the Internet? And where are good places to meet up?
Staying Safe
  Get to know them using online chat and email first - Don't give out your phone number until you are sure they are genuine and the type of person you are interested in!
Once you decide to start speaking on the phone, give them your mobile phone number as it is generally safer than giving your home number.
Talk to them on the phone - When you decide to take things further, take the time to talk on the phone. Speaking with them on the phone gives you a better chance to find out more about them and gauge their character.
Don't feel pressured into meeting up straight away, trust your instincts and if you want to take time in getting to know them first then do so. If they are genuine then they will understand.
Before you meet, get some details - For your safety it is recommended that you get some information about the person you are meeting. Their phone number, first and last name and the general location of where they live are important and not too intrusive. These details can then be given to a friend or family member so they know who you are meeting.
Be prepared to give your details to the other person too. They will want to feel safe as well!
 Arrange a safe meeting point - Decide on a meeting point that will be fairly busy with other members of the public. It doesn't have to be a cafe or bar, why not try a popular walking spot, park or sport's facilities like a climbing wall, ski slope or canoeing centre?
Always arrange to meet them at the location and use your own mode of transportation to get to and from the date.
Remember if you are meeting up to do an outdoor activity or sport then make sure to check what clothing and equipment you might need, you don't want to turn up in your best clothes if you are intending to go out on a hike!
Set out what you want from the date - To avoid confusion or giving off the wrong signals let the other person know that you're looking to start out as friends and hoping to get to know them better. This will help the date to be more relaxed and enjoyable.
Relax, enjoy yourself and have fun! - Remember the person you are meeting has taken the time and put in the effort into getting to know you too, so they're interested!
By now they should know a little bit about you, so just be yourself, if you're meeting at a bar or cafe then avoid or limit alcohol as this can lower your inhibitions and remember to keep an eye on your drink at all times.
Ideas For A First Date
Looking for ideas on where to meet for your first date? You don't have to meet at a bar or cafe if you are both into the outdoors, so why not check out some of our ideas on setting up an interesting first date?
1. Take an afternoon stroll, run or ride - Find out where your nearest park or reservoir is and arrange to meet for a circuit or two around it. Parks and reservoirs are normally fairly busy so you should feel safe, they also have well maintained paths away from the traffic where you can walk, run or ride your bikes in peace.
For added fun and a chance to catch your breath and get to know your date a little why not pack a blanket, some cereal bars, fruit and sports drinks or water for an impromptu picnic?
To find your nearest reservoir take a look at the website for your local water authority as many of them provide information of routes created on their land.
 2. Take your date to new heights - Climbing walls can be found everywhere and you can use Google or the UK Climbing website to find your nearest one.
Remember that you might need to book in advance to get a slot on the wall if it's busy and be sure to check how skilled at climbing your date is before you get them climbing the toughest part - you don't want them to be embarrassed if they are going to struggle!
3. Get wet and wild - There are plenty of canoe and kayaking clubs around the UK and you can find them by using Google or the British Canoe Union website who have a directory of centres for you to try.
As the UK weather cannot always guarantee you'll have be out in fine weather, why not arrange to go for a hot coffee, tea or chocolate at a local coffee shop afterwards?
4. Grab some powder - With real snow ski slopes sprouting all over the UK, there's no reason why you can't take your date out onto the slopes for a little fun on the white stuff. Check out the Ski Club of Great Britain slopes database to find your local real snow or dry ski slope, or alternatively for real snow slopes go direct to the Sno!zone website.
|
