How To Stay Safe On Dates

How to Stay Safe on Your Dates 

Dating should be a fun, exciting experience, but it's essential to stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential harm. One of the most disturbing dangers that can occur while dating is the risk of being drugged, also known as being "roofied." 

It's crucial to be proactive about your safety and take steps to minimize risk so here are some practical tips on how to stay safe while dating and avoid dangerous situations like being drugged.

Never Accept an Open Drink From Anyone

One of the most critical safety tips is to **never accept a drink from anyone unless you see it being made** or opened in front of you. Whether you're on a date or at a social gathering, it’s important to be cautious about drinks that are handed to you by someone else. Even if it’s a friend or a date, you can’t guarantee that your drink hasn't been tampered with.

Tips:

- Always watch your drink being made or poured.

- If you need to leave your drink unattended, either take it with you or dispose of it and get a fresh one.

- Be cautious if someone insists on buying you a drink without you requesting it.

- Stick to drinks you can keep an eye on, like bottled beverages with a sealed cap.

Keep Your Drink Close and Covered

It’s not always easy to tell if someone has slipped something into your drink. To stay safe, **always keep your drink close** to you, and consider using a drink cover or a cup with a lid if you're in a crowded environment. This simple precaution can help you avoid dangerous situations.

Tips:

- Use a reusable drink cover or a wine glass topper, which can prevent tampering.

- If you’re drinking from a bottle, hold onto it tightly, and be wary of accepting any drink refills from strangers.

- If you lose track of your drink, get a new one.

Trust Your Instincts and Set Boundaries

Your intuition is one of your best tools for self-protection. If something feels off during a date, trust your instincts and set clear boundaries. If you’re uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to speak up, leave, or remove yourself from the situation.

Tips:

- Always feel empowered to say "no" to anything you're not comfortable with.

- Be aware of how your date or the people around you are acting—does their behavior seem off? Are they pushing boundaries? Trust your gut.

- Don't hesitate to leave if you feel unsafe, even if it means cutting the date short.

Go on Dates in Public Places

Meeting in public places—like coffee shops, restaurants, or parks—can drastically reduce the likelihood of dangerous situations occurring. These places are generally well-lit, have a lot of people around, and provide more opportunities for others to help if something goes wrong.

Tips:

- Avoid secluded locations, especially on the first few dates.

- Always let a friend or family member know where you're going, who you’re meeting, and what time you plan to return.

- Consider sharing your location with a trusted friend during your date via your phone.

Keep Your Phone Fully Charged and Accessible

Make sure your phone is fully charged before heading out for a date. In case of an emergency, you'll need to be able to reach someone quickly, or even call for help if you’re in a dangerous situation. Keeping your phone easily accessible also means you can call a cab or ride-share service if you need to leave quickly.

Tips:

- Ensure your phone has enough battery to last the entire date.

- Keep it within easy reach, like in your pocket or a small purse.

- If you feel uneasy, text or call a friend to check in.

Watch for Red Flags in Your Date’s Behavior

While most people are trustworthy, there are signs that someone might not have your best interests at heart. **Watch out for manipulative or pushy behavior**—for example, if someone insists on buying you too many drinks or pressures you to do something you don’t want to do. 

**Red flags include:**

- Excessive drinking or encouraging you to drink more than you're comfortable with.

- Touching you inappropriately or trying to isolate you from others.

- Any sudden mood shifts or behaviors that seem manipulative or controlling.

Keep Your Personal Information Private

On a date, it’s natural to share personal details, but **be cautious about revealing too much too soon**. Avoid sharing sensitive information, like your home address, where you work, or details about your family that could be used against you later.

Tips:

- Don’t feel pressured to share private details if you’re not comfortable doing so.

- Always meet in public spaces and keep your home address confidential, especially on early dates.

- Use common sense when it comes to social media and avoid oversharing your whereabouts or plans.

Have a Safety Plan

It’s always a good idea to have a **backup plan** in case you need to leave a date early or if you feel unsafe. Let a trusted friend or family member know where you're going and when you expect to be back. You can also arrange a code word with a friend so they know when to call or check in on you.

Tips:

- Tell a friend or family member when and where your date is.

- Agree on a "code word" with someone to signal that you need help without alerting your date.

- If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to leave the situation.

Know the Symptoms of Being Roofied

If you suspect that your drink may have been tampered with, it’s important to **know the symptoms of being roofied**. These can include dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, confusion, or feeling excessively drunk after having only a small amount to drink. I can tell you from personal experience that it's an awful feeling that leaves you pretty much paralyzed, unable to speak and totally defenseless.

What to do if you think you’ve been roofied:

- Get to a safe place immediately.

- Alert someone you trust or call 911.

- Try to remain as alert as possible until help arrives.

- If you can, contact medical professionals so they can check for signs of drugging.

Trust in a Supportive Network

It’s always a good idea to surround yourself with people who support your safety and well-being. This includes friends, family, or even dating apps with safety features. Remember, you're not alone—always reach out if you need help, and never feel guilty about putting your safety first.

Final Thoughts

Dating should be fun and enjoyable, but it's essential to take steps to protect yourself from harm. By being aware of potential risks, trusting your instincts, and following simple safety guidelines, you can enjoy your dates without compromising your safety. Remember: your well-being is always the most important thing, and you deserve to feel safe and respected at all times.

With Love,

Lisa