Dating Survival Guide

Dating can be a total mine field; you have to tip- toe your way through it or else you can’t go back in one piece. Yes, in this time and age, going out on a date in a careless attitude can be dangerous. According to RAINN.org (rape, assault, incest, national network), 17.7 million American women have been a victim of an attempted rape or a completed rape, that’s 1 out of 6 women, a figure not to be taken lightly. Before you decide to go dating, you have to be wary on how to date safely. That’s why you have to keep these safety tips for dating in mind. 1. If you meet him in an internet dating service, don’t disclose your complete name, phone number, or home address. 2. If it’s your first meeting, meet in a public place. If you are both open with the idea, try group dating. This way your friends can get to know him and size him up. 3. Never ever meet him in an isolated situation, like in his home or apartment. 4. Never let him pick you up in your home or your work place, or tell him where you live or where you work. 5. Tell someone you trust about your whereabouts. 6. Tell a trusted friend about your date’s information, like his phone number, address or photo. 7. Bring your own car. This advice goes for everybody, whatever your age is or status in life, you should never get in to a stranger’s car. 8. Carry a full charged cellphone with you at all times and choose a place where there is a sufficient signal for your cellphone. 9. Be careful what you reveal about your personal information. Don’t brag about financial assets or personal wealth. 10. No matter how tempting, if you hardly know the guy you are with, avoid alcoholic beverages. 11. If you decide to attend a private party, be sure to see how your drinks are prepared. Never leave your drink on the table unattended. 12. Dating can be exciting, but be wary of your emotions. Don’t get too overwhelmed with enthusiasm. Don’t trust someone too soon, it’s better to be on the side of caution. 13. Be sure you are dating a single guy. Look out for any signs that he is hiding something, such as reluctance to ask you out on a weekend, even if you know that he is only working on weekdays. He doesn’t want you to call him at home. And look out for a tan line where a wedding band is usually worn. 14. If you decide to take your dating on a sexual level, ask for protection! 15. You also have the right to ask for a blood test and show you the result, if you have any suspicions that he might be an HIV positive or have any kind of STD. In dating, the best thing that you can do is to trust your instinct. We, women have a gift for it. So, if you can’t shake off that “uneasy” feeling when you are with your date, then get out. It’s better to be safe than sorry.