The opportunity to meet new people for fun, friendship, or a fling has never been greater. Gone are the days of meeting someone at a nightclub or a bar, grabbing their phone number, and then going on a casual date to see if things evolve into something more serious. The way people meet today for casual dating has increasingly gone online. Indeed, nearly 30% of American adults, (approximately 63 million people) report some experience with online dating. With the prevalence of online dating so high, what are some ways you can ensure your casual dating experience is not only enjoyable but also safe? Read on to discover some safe casual dating tips.
Pros and cons of casual dating
Casual dating is a great way to meet new people and share some interesting experiences. It is a way to potentially meet someone special and see if things progress naturally. Casual dating allows you to have fun without getting overly serious right from the get-go. However, there are a number of downsides and potential dangers when it comes to casual dating. These can range anywhere from getting stalked, scammed, played, or catfished to the more mundane possibility of being lied to (some men even try to convince women that they have some, if not all, of the six sixes).
Safe casual dating tips
1. Don’t give them your real name, just yet:
Avoid giving out too much personal information such as your full name, address, or where you work, until you get to know someone more, ideally in real life (and not just online). This will help you avoid the consequences associated with getting scammed or being targeted by a stalker.
2. Always meet up first in public:
For safety’s sake, when meeting someone new it’s always a good move to meet in a populated spot, like a beach, café, or restaurant. Also, tell a friend that you will be meeting someone new, as where and when you are meeting. Never go alone to someone’s place or a secluded spot when you are meeting them for the first time.
3. Have an exit strategy:
Make sure that you have your own way home – either your own vehicle or enough money for an Uber. Don’t feel pressured to stay for longer than you feel like just to be polite. Always trust your instincts and if the situation is going south, make up an excuse and leave.
4. Do your homework:
Find out as much information about the person whom you are considering casually dating before you meet in person. Doing a quick Google and Facebook search can tell you a lot of information about the person. In some instances, it may even disprove some of the things they were telling you about themselves. This should be a big enough red flag not to go on any casual dates with them.
Casual dating should be fun and enjoyable. It’s a great way to meet new people without getting into anything too serious. However, there are some people who may try to take advantage because you are interested in a casual relationship. Don’t let scammers, players, or worse ruin your fun. Using these tips will help you in staying safe whilst casual dating.
