Here are some very basic guidelines on dating people you’ve never met before and how to date safely.

• If you can meet the person in a public setting – and even more preferable is to meet them while they are around their friends. Why with their friends? Because a) if they haven’t got any that should ring alarm bells and b) your date will find it hard to create a fake persona or personality when in front of their friends. Lastly a great reason to meet someone wuth their or your friends is because it creates a more informal setting where you both can relax more as there will be distractions and it will not be too intense.
• NEVER give out your personal home address or phone number. Get a temporary sim card, given them a temporary email address etc.
• Always be polite – even if the person you date is not! You don’t want to be accused of bad behaviour and you don’t want to stir up the emotions of someone who may be unstable.
• Make the date short and if necessary give yourself a get out clause and mention this up front. You do not want to be stuck with someone you really don’t like -not only that you want to leave some discussion points for next time if it goes well! Better to leave wanting more than to rinse out all your best conversation on the first date!
• tell someone where you are going!
• Take a phone and exactly who you are dating – this is not a breach of privacy – especially if you are a female it’s a safety must!
• NEVER DRINK ALCOHOL! Drinking is always a bad idea and once you have had a drink anything could happen!
• Never be talked into going to or back to someone’s house – male this can get you into a very vulnerable physical situation you might not easily have the self-control to get out of and females this could be dangerous!
• Guys (and girls) – NEVER think that you may get some ‘physical’ action either on a first date or later. If that’s you you need to stop now! We are Christians and need to treat our temples accordingly!