Dating is a completely normal part of life that most people want to partake in, however, it obviously doesn’t come without its risks. When you’re hanging out with someone one on one that you don’t know well, you never really know what they’re like or what they’re thinking.

You should keep this in mind on any date with someone you just met. We talked with the team at Flings, an app that helps people find casual relationships to see their thoughts on the matter, and what they’re doing to keep users safe. We’ve come up with the following tips to keep you safe if you’re interested in having a fling or going on a casual date.

Keep your guard up

When you’re on a date with someone, you should always be on guard, especially when you’re meeting someone in person. For example, if you meet a guy at a bar and you do things like take his number and Facebook profile picture before you even know if he’s interesting or not, you’re giving him control over your well being. If he has a problem with you doing this, it could turn nasty and you could get in big trouble. This is especially true if you’re in an awkward situation, like walking up to a strange man who starts staring at you and won’t leave your side. It doesn’t take much for someone to get into a panic if someone is staring at them. In such a situation, take a step back, and remember that you can always escalate the situation if you feel unsafe.

Make sure you’re both on the same page

It’s always good to make sure the date is set up in a way that both you and your date are comfortable with. If you both are on the same page, you’re both feeling comfortable, and everything seems right, there’s really nothing to worry about. However, if either one of you doesn’t feel like you’re on the same page, then you should probably bail on the date. The only way to know for sure is by speaking with your date in the moment, and discussing it.

Tell a trusted friend where you’re going.

This one’s pretty straightforward: have a friend on hand who’s willing to step in and stop you if something goes wrong. A trustworthy friend is always your best bet for being safe.

Don’t drink too much

At the very least, don’t drink alcohol on a first date. And don’t drink it very much. You don’t want to be walking around in the middle of the night while drunk and it could get you into trouble with your date. It’s fine to drink a glass or two of wine or beer with someone you know, but don’t get plastered. Getting loaded makes you more vulnerable and makes you more susceptible to stumbling into dangerous situations.

Be prepared

Before you leave your house, make sure you have everything you need. Make sure you know where your emergency contacts are and know where they live so you can get a hold of them if needed. Don’t leave the house without doing this. If something does go wrong, you’ll be grateful you did.

Don’t take any risks

If a date initiates contact, always go along with it unless you’re not feeling it. If it’s in a public place, like a bar or an event or even in the street, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. You should, at the very least, put up a polite barrier between them and yourself if you feel uncomfortable. It’s not really about making a scene. It’s about being polite and safe. Do whatever you can to keep yourself safe while dating. If you feel uncomfortable or believe you’re being made to feel uncomfortable, let the other person know.

How To Check For Dangerous Emotions

Ask your date if they are okay and check the vibe by asking open-ended questions. You should always ask the person you’re dating how they feel or if they want to talk about something.

Conclusion

The best way to be safe when dating is to keep your guard up at all times, especially when you’re meeting someone for the first time. There is no such thing as 100% safety, but if you’re comfortable with someone, it can keep you from putting yourself in dangerous situations. Of course, you also don’t have to date someone you’re not comfortable with, but as always, you’re the one who decides how safe you want to be. With these important tips we hope to help you make that decision easier. Also, let us know in the comments below if you know any other dating tips that should be on this list.