Dating Safety is not only for Valentine’s Day it is to be practiced all the time. If you are currently dating, here are some suggestions to keep you as safe as possible.
Meet your date at a public location for the first few dates. Do not give him information about where you live or work, or have him pick you up from your home until you are very comfortable with him as a friend and companion.
Internet dating can be very risky. Often, people do not portray who they really are. He could be Mr. Right, just a nice guy, or a serial killer. Take your time and get to know him before providing him with personal information.
Always carry a cell phone and arrange for a family member or friend to call you once or twice during your date to make sure all is going well.
Before leaving on a date, let someone know where you are going, who you are with and how you “met” this person. If you met him online, leave his email/profile info. If through friends, leave the friend’s contact info in case of a problem.
Find out where your date works. Call and check to make sure he does indeed hold a job at that place. If, at any time, you feel or acknowledge that your date has lied, cancel future meetings with him. You deserve to date an honest man. If he is a liar, you don’t know what else he has lied about, especially his past.
Never get in a car alone with a new date. Until you get to know him well, he is still a stranger to some degree. Treat him as such.
Don’t use drugs or drink to excess when on a date. You may wind up revealing too much information or pass out, leaving yourself vulnerable and giving the opportunity for your personal items, such as purse, wallet, etc., to be stolen.
Be aware of any drinks you may be offered that are not in an unopened bottle. Get your drink directly from the bartender or waiter. Don’t leave your drink unattended. If you must leave, get a new drink when you return. There have been many cases when “club drugs” have been used to incapacitate a female.
If you determine that the man you are dating is not the right one, be polite and respectful when you break off the relationship. Come up with a reason that does not blame him for the failed relationship, such as you are still getting over your last relationship, or simply, you decided you are not ready to enter the dating world again. It will be better off for both of you to leave respecting each other rather than hating each other.
PREPARING FOR PROBLEMS
Keep your vehicle well maintained and the gas tank half full at all times. Keep an extra pair of slacks, shirt and walking shoes in your car in case you have to walk to a nearby store for assistance.
By keeping your vehicle in good condition, you reduce your chances of being stranded and at the mercy of strangers.
Always carry a cell phone with you and a car charger for it. Know where you are and call police immediately if you feel yourself in danger. If you do not have a cell phone, get a used one from a friend, family member or co-worker, and as long as it has a charge, you can dial 9-1-1 without having a service provider.
Learn how to use and always carry pepper spray. Michael Mercer offers the worlds most trusted brand of pepper spray and personal defense products.
Try to find a women’s personal safety class and/or self defense program in your community. Michael Mercer Consulting provides several types of personal safety courses. Learning how to defend yourself will give you empowerment and confidence that you can defend yourself.
Michael Mercer Consulting, President
Bird’s Eye Technologies, Co-Founder/CEO
Maine Association of Police Retirees, President
International CPTED Association
Greater Portland Board of Realtors, Education Committee
MREMA Associate Member
michael@michaelmercerconsulting.com
207-699-8840
