Meeting in person with an online date is always exciting. However, it’s not always safe, especially if you don’t know each other well. Anyone can create an account on social media or dating app, and sexual predators are no exception. In fact, out of almost 2,000 analyzed records of sexual victims, it’s been found that 14% of sexual assault attacks took place after meeting on a dating app.
Among other not so serious concerns are the trouble of communicating and difficulty deciding where to go on a first date.
But before you step out the door to meet that online match, pause. What preparation is vital for a safe, enjoyable, and genuine dating experience? This guide cuts through the uncertainty, offering you essential tips directly addressing what you should know before going on a date with someone you met online.
Establishing Trust: Verifying Your Online Match
Can you trust someone you’ve only met over the internet? This question has probably crossed your mind if you’ve ever searched for love online. After all, treating the internet as a source of genuine connections requires a certain level of trust. But how do you go about it?
The first step involves validating the authenticity of your online match. And here are some effective ways to do it:
Online Background Check on Nuwber
Background checks are widely used to find information about individuals online. And you can do one on Nuwber.
To run a background check on your online date, you need their full name. It’s also helpful to know their location and age, as this information can help you differentiate them from other people if your online date has a common name.
The process doesn’t take much time. All you need to do is type in your date’s full name on Nuwber and click Search. Among the details you’ll find are their:
- Address history
- Professional licenses
- Contact information
- Relatives
- Criminal Records
- Judgements
- And many more relevant details
On Nuwber, you can also reverse search your online date’s phone number, address, or email address to find information about them.
Social Media Verification
Social media has become an integral part of our lives and is a handy tool for verifying an online match. A quick glance at a person’s social media profiles can give you a glimpse into their life and confirm their authenticity. But what should you look for?
Initiate by comparing their online persona with the information shared on the dating platform. Look for consistency in their photos, posts, and comments. But, remember, a suspicious profile doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a con artist. They could simply be private individuals who prefer to keep their online footprint minimal. However, if their profile seems too good to be true or they don’t have any social media presence at all, proceed with caution.
Video Chatting
Moving on to video chatting, consider it as a virtual face-to-face encounter assisting you in further substantiating your online relationship match’s identity. In fact, video chatting is highly recommended before meeting up in person.
A video chat can enhance the sense of authenticity and connection. It gives you a chance to see if the person you’ve been talking to online matches their profile photos. Plus, it provides an opportunity to gauge the conversation flow and chemistry. So, don’t be shy to suggest a video call. It’s a great way to build trust and rapport before the actual face-to-face meeting.
Preparing for the First Meeting: Setting Expectations and Boundaries
Now that you’ve established trust and are confident that your online match is genuine, it’s time to prepare for the first date. This process entails defining expectations and boundaries clearly to facilitate a seamless transition from cyber interaction to an in-person meeting.
Establishing safety measures, discussing your preferences, and being flexible are all part of this process. Clear communication is key to making sure both parties have a mutual understanding of what to expect from the date.
So, let’s delve into these aspects in more detail.
Establishing Safety Measures
Safety should be your top priority when meeting your online dating match for the first time. While it’s exciting to finally meet them in person, it’s equally important to establish safety measures, especially if you found your dating app match quickly. As dating app users wait for the perfect moment to meet, ensuring safety remains crucial.
Choosing a public place for your first meeting is a good start. It’s also wise to:
- Inform a trusted friend about your date and share details like your date’s name, meeting location, and a screenshot of their profile.
- Consider using apps that allow real-time location tracking for additional safety.
- Plan your own transportation to and from the date. This ensures you can leave whenever you want if you feel uncomfortable.
Communicating Preferences
Have you ever heard the saying, “Communication is key”? Well, it couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to online dating. Before the first meet-up on a dating site, it’s crucial to discuss your preferences, expectations, and deal-breakers.
Clearly stating your expectations can guard against potential miscommunication and misunderstandings. Here are some things you should include when sharing your expectations:
- Your interests
- Your lifestyle
- What you’re seeking in a partner
- Any deal-breakers you may have
It’s better to mention these upfront to avoid unnecessary disappointment, as clear and honest communication is the first step towards a successful date.
Being Flexible
While it’s important to communicate preferences and establish safety measures in real life, maintaining a level of flexibility is equally significant. Let’s face it, life happens! And sometimes, that means having to reschedule your first date.
If a change of plans is necessary, letting your date know about the change as soon as possible shows respect for their time. If your date has to reschedule, try to be understanding. After all, the goal is to meet in person and get to know each other better, not to stick to a rigid schedule.
Choosing the Right Date Location
Having defined expectations and safety measures and agreed upon flexibility, the subsequent step is selecting the ideal location for your date. The right location can set the tone for your meeting, making it more comfortable and enjoyable for both of you.
So, where can you meet?
Public Places
Choosing a public place for your first date is a no-brainer. It’s safer and tends to put both parties at ease. But what kind of public place should you choose?
Coffee shops, parks, or restaurants are excellent choices. They offer a relaxed environment which is great for conversation. Plus, they’re usually located in central areas, making them easily accessible. The goal is to create a comfortable atmosphere where you can focus on getting to know each other better.
Activity-Based Dates
If a typical dinner date sounds too cliché, consider an activity-based date. This could be anything from an art exhibition to a mini golf game.
The beauty of activity-based dates is that they provide a shared experience. They encourage interaction and can take some pressure off, making the date feel more relaxed and enjoyable. Plus, they offer plenty of conversation starters!
Navigating the First Date: Conversation and Etiquette
Having selected the ideal location, the stage is set to steer through the actual date. This involves understanding the right conversation etiquette to ensure a pleasant and meaningful interaction.
Starting With Small Talk
Starting a conversation on a first date can feel a little awkward. That’s where small talk comes into play. It’s a great way to break the ice and make both parties feel more comfortable.
Discussing hobbies, recent events, or simply expressing appreciation for your date’s appearance are good conversation starters. The goal of small talk is to create a comfortable atmosphere and pave the way for deeper conversation.
Avoiding Controversial Topics
While it’s important to keep the conversation flowing, there are certain topics you might want to avoid on a first date. Controversial topics like politics or religion can lead to heated discussions and create a tense atmosphere.
The goal of the first date is to get to know each other on a basic level, not to challenge each other’s beliefs. So, steer clear of any topics that might lead to conflict. Instead, focus on light, pleasant discussions that allow you to understand your date’s personality and interests.
Practicing Active Listening
A good conversation is a two-way street. It’s not just about talking; it’s also about listening. Active listening involves giving your full attention to your date, understanding their emotions, and responding without interrupting.
Showing genuine interest in your date’s stories and asking follow-up questions can make the conversation more engaging. It not only shows that you value their input but also that you’re genuinely interested in getting to know them better.
Post-Date Reflection: Assessing Compatibility and Next Steps
Post the first date, it’s time to ascertain if you envision a potential future with this individual. Even if the date went well and everything was quite good, it’s still essential to do the following:
Identify Compatibility
Determining compatibility is more than just figuring out whether you had fun on the first date. It involves deeper factors such as shared values, goals, and lifestyles.
Shared interests, similar life goals, effective communication, and mutual respect are all signs of compatibility. If these factors align, chances are you’ve found a potential match. If they don’t, it might be wise to continue your search.
Communicate Honestly
After the first date, try to communicate honestly with your potential partner. Whether you had a good time or not, express your feelings in a respectful manner.
If you enjoyed the date and see potential for future ones, let them know. If you didn’t feel a connection, it’s okay to express that too. Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to dating.
Set Future Plans
If after the first date both of you are interested in seeing each other again, it’s time to set future plans. Discuss how often you’d like to communicate and the possibility of a second date.
Remember, setting future plans should be a mutual decision. Avoid being overly insistent or creating unnecessary pressure. The goal is to create a comfortable pace that works for both parties.
Summary
Navigating the world of online dating might be a bit scary, but in reality it shouldn’t be. By establishing safety measures, setting clear expectations and boundaries, choosing the right date location, navigating the first date conversation, and reflecting post-date, you can make the journey more enjoyable and successful.
If you wish to connect with people who are well-suited to you and have a fun and safe dating experience, why wait? Swipe right and let your online dating journey begin!
FAQ
Is it safe to date someone you met online?
Not everyone who’s searching for love online has good intentions. That’s why it’s necessary to learn as much information about the person as possible before meeting with them in real life.
How can I verify my online match’s identity?
Make sure to verify your online match’s identity by running a background check on them on Nuwber, checking their social media profiles for consistency, and video chatting with them before meeting. Always take safety precautions when getting to know someone online.
What to consider when choosing a first date location?
Opt for public places like coffee shops or restaurants for a safe and comfortable experience. You should also consider activity-based dates to encourage interaction and make sure the location is convenient for both of you.
What should I avoid discussing on a first date?
Avoid discussing polarizing subjects like politics or religion on a first date, and focus on light, pleasant topics to understand your date’s personality and interests.
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