Staying Safe on Dates in a New City

When you are in a new city you will often be keen to get out and meet new people. However, if you decide that dating is the way to do that, you need to make sure you don’t put yourself at risk. A new city can feel overwhelming and you have less idea of the differing areas and finding your way around. You need to make sure you have your bearings and are clear about where you are staying and how you are going to get home.

Ask For Advice

When you are in a city that you know, you are of aware of which areas to avoid and where a safe dating venue would be. In a new city it is difficult to gauge these things so it is a good idea to ask for advice. If you can, talk to a friend or work colleague about where is safe to go. If not, there is a lot of great information on the internet and it is worth finding a forum where people can help you out.

Don’t be Too Trusting

If you don’t know very many people in your new city it can get a bit lonely and you will probably be keen to make some connections. This is a great idea but don’t let your safety suffer by being too eager to trust people. Apply the same safe dating criteria that you would anyone else: always meet in a public place, don’t get in someone’s car or go back to their place and be wary about giving away too much personal information.

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Know Where You’re Staying

Whether you are just visiting the city or have recently moved there, you are unlikely to know your way around very well. Make sure that you have the address of where you are staying and a good idea of what area of the city it is in. It can also be helpful to have the number of someone who can help guide you home if you are unsure – whether this is a friend or the hotel reception.

Plan Your Way Home

When you are dating you always need to think about how you are going to get home. In a new city this is even more important for your safety as you will be less aware of where you are. Before you go on your date, make a clear plan about getting back to where you are staying. Have the number of a reputable taxi firm and make sure you have enough money left to pay.

Going on a date in a new city can be a fun way to meet new people and stave off loneliness. However, you need to think about your safety and recognise that you don’t know this city that well. This means that you have less awareness of bad areas, dodgy bars or how to get back to where you are staying. Try and get your bearings, know the address of where you are staying and make a clear plan about how you will get back.