This is a 3-part blog series on dating safely. We invite you to read the blogs on preparing for the date; during the date; and after the date and provide your feedback by posting a comment below the article. If you’d like to see a particular topic on the blog, feel free to suggest one to us!
Dating Safely 101: On the Date
You’re on a date and things are… getting awkward. The silences are dragging on. Your date’s not what you expected. This might become a funny story later… But for now, what to do? How do you escape this uncomfortable situation?
Keep the following tips in mind:
- Provide your own transportation
- If you need to leave you don’t want to have to wait for your date, especially if you want to leave without them. Take public transit, a taxi, or have a friend drop you off and pick you up.
- Reschedule if you need to
- If your date has a problem rescheduling to make you feel comfortable, they probably aren’t who you want to be with. How they choose to respond to your request says a lot about their character.
- Bring a friend
- Having a friend in the area can be calming. They don’t have to be right next to you, but a nearby pal can act as your backup if you need to leave.
- Drink responsibly
- If you don’t want to have to worry about watching your drink or your alcohol intake, skip drinks for the night. It is your choice to want or have a drink-free evening. If your date pushes you to drink, be aware- it might be a sign that you shouldn’t.
- You don’t owe them anything
- You are equally entitled to feel comfortable in the pacing of the date. Don’t let them pressure you into anything before you’re ready.
- Trust your instincts
- Don’t be afraid to leave if you get the feeling that this date isn’t going well. It might feel taboo to leave in the middle of a date but if you are not comfortable then you have every right to leave. If you really need an excuse, get a friend to call you or use an app such as Bad Date Rescue.
Unless you have some kind of superpower, not every date will be a success. We hope these tips help you avoid some awkward silences and- better yet- ensure your safety. You’ll be entertaining your party guests for years to come with the stories of your near-misses.
This is the second installment of a three-part series. Read Part One if you missed it! Come back tomorrow to learn how to reflect on your dating woes (Part Three).