Staying Safe When Meeting New People: 10 Safety Tips for Your First Date

Meeting someone for the first time is an exciting step in the dating journey, but it’s important to keep your personal safety a top priority. At nott, we encourage real-life connections, and we’re here to ensure you feel prepared and confident when taking that step from online chats to in-person meetings. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe while still enjoying your date.

1. Choose a Public Location

For your first few dates, it’s always best to meet in a public place where there are plenty of people around. Coffee shops, restaurants, parks, or local events make for great first date locations. Avoid meeting at secluded spots or private homes, as public places offer a level of safety that makes it easier to leave if you ever feel uncomfortable.

2. Share Your Plans with Someone You Trust

Before heading out on your date, let a close friend or family member know where you’ll be and who you’re meeting. Share the location, time, and any details about your plans. This small step can give you peace of mind, knowing that someone is aware of your whereabouts and can check in with you if needed.

3. Arrange Your Own Transportation

Having control over how you arrive and leave the date is important for your safety. Drive yourself, take public transportation, or use a rideshare service so that you’re not relying on your date for a ride. This ensures you can leave whenever you’re ready, without feeling dependent on someone else’s schedule.

4. Keep Personal Details Private

While you might feel a great connection with someone, it’s wise to be cautious about sharing personal details too quickly. Hold off on giving out sensitive information like your home address, workplace, or anything too personal until you’ve built trust over time. Keeping your personal life private helps ensure your safety until you’re more familiar with your date.

5. Trust Your Instincts

Your gut feeling is one of your best tools when it comes to staying safe. If something feels off or you feel uncomfortable at any point during the date, don’t hesitate to leave. It’s okay to cut the date short if your instincts tell you something isn’t right. Excuse yourself politely, leave, and reach out to a trusted friend to debrief.

6. Stay Sober and Alert

While it’s common to have a drink during a date, make sure to stay in control of your situation. Keep track of your drinks and never leave them unattended. Staying alert and aware of your surroundings ensures you’ll be able to recognize any red flags early and make safer decisions during the date.

7. Have an Exit Plan

It’s always good to have a backup plan in case the date doesn’t go as expected. Know in advance how you can leave the situation quickly, whether by calling a friend, requesting a rideshare, or using public transportation. Some people even set up “check-in” texts with friends to help ensure everything is going smoothly.

8. Use In-App Communication Before the Meet-Up

At nott, we recommend keeping communication within the app until you feel comfortable. Our in-app messaging allows you to get to know someone while keeping your contact details private. Once you feel safe and ready, you can then move to other forms of communication if you choose. Until then, nott provides a secure way to chat and plan your date.

9. Respect Boundaries

First dates are all about getting to know each other, but it’s essential to respect each other’s boundaries. Keep conversations respectful and avoid pressuring your date into doing anything they’re not comfortable with. Building a sense of mutual respect and understanding is key to a successful and safe first date.

10. Have Fun and Stay Positive

While staying safe is crucial, remember that dating is also about enjoying yourself and meeting new people! By following these safety guidelines, you can relax and focus on having a great time. Keep the conversation light, be open-minded, and let your date unfold naturally.

Conclusion: Safety and Fun Can Go Hand in Hand

At nott, we want to make sure your first date experience is enjoyable, memorable, and—most importantly—safe. By following these tips, you can meet new people with confidence and ease. Whether you’re grabbing coffee or heading to a local event, putting your safety first allows you to fully enjoy the experience while maintaining control over the situation.

Remember, safety and fun can go hand in hand, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.