Online dating is becoming more popular than ever before. It is a way for busy people to try to meet that "special someone" without having to troll bars or go through friends to meet new people. Online dating allows you to pick the person that you think is right for you by learning about them before you ever meet. However, this form of dating does come with some safety concerns. There are some key safety tips to remember when meeting that online crush for the first time.

Remember that this person is a stranger. It does not matter how many times you have instant-messaged or spoken on the phone, until you meet your new dating prospect in person, he/she is still a stranger to you.

Let someone know where you will be. This can be a friend or family member, but it should be someone that you trust. Let them know where you will be on the date and give them the name of the person that you are going out with. Make sure that this person will be available in case you should need them at some point during the date. You might even plan for them to call you so that they can know how things are going.

Meet in a public place. Although a quiet, candle-lit dinner at your place sounds like a romantic way to spend a first date, it is definitely not the safest. Picking a place where there are plenty of other people around will make you feel more comfortable and will prevent someone with bad intentions from hurting you. Do not agree to go back to their place on the first date no matter how well things might be going. An untrustworthy person may be very agreeable until they get you out of a public place.

Provide your own transportation. Do not allow your date to pick you up or drop you off. You don't want this person knowing where you live until they have proven themselves trustworthy. Your home should be your sanctuary, and inviting a new person into it should wait until you are both comfortable with each other.

Bring your cell phone and emergency cash. Make sure that your cell phone is with you and charged. If you feel uncomfortable leaving on your own, you can always call a friend to come get you. Having extra cash will allow you to take a taxi if a friend is not available.

Don't drink alcohol. Many people like to have a drink or two to calm their nerves before a first date. This is not actually advisable; you need to stay sober and alert in case things do not go well. Remember, you will not be getting a ride from your date, so staying sober will also allow you to drive home safely.

Don't leave food or drink unattended. Make sure that anything that you consume is brought to you by the staff of the restaurant or bar. If you must get up for any reason, order a fresh drink when you get back. This is not rude, and if your date doesn't understand it may be a sign that you don't want to continue seeing them.

If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, end the date. You don't need to worry that you are being anti-social or mean. If the person that you are out with makes you feel weird at all, it is perfectly acceptable to thank them for their time and leave. If you do leave on these terms, call a friend as you are leaving and tell them what happened. You should also let your friend know to expect a call when you get home safely.

Online dating can be very exciting and rewarding if done safely. Make sure that you exercise caution when meeting that new person. If your new date is as great as you think, they will not only understand your safety concerns, they will be concerned about the same things. Use these tips and your instincts to make sure that you have a great and safe first date.

Learn more about this author, Whitney Levon.
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