Meeting safely · Senior Dating Today
Before you meet for coffee.
Practical precautions for arranging a first meeting with someone you met online.
Choose a place you can leave easily
For a first meeting, choose a busy public café or similar place. Arrange your own journey there and home. Keep your home address private while you are getting to know someone.
A short first date is a reasonable plan. You can agree to coffee without promising an entire afternoon. If you are uncomfortable, you can leave.
Tell someone the plan
Let a trusted person know where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to be back. Keep your phone charged and arrange a check-in that works for you.
You do not need to apologise for taking precautions. Someone who respects your boundaries should be willing to meet in a public place.
Pay attention before the date, too
Be cautious if someone pushes you to move faster than you want, repeatedly avoids a live conversation, or asks for money. Do not send money, gift cards or financial details to someone you have only met online.
A profile photo or a reassuring message cannot prove someone is trustworthy. If a conversation leaves you uneasy, stop and use the service’s reporting or blocking tools.
Keep the decision yours
You can decline a lift, an invitation home or a second date. You can also change your mind after agreeing to meet. You do not need an argument strong enough to persuade the other person.
Precautions reduce some risks; they cannot guarantee safety. If someone behaves badly, responsibility belongs to that person.
Further reading: RAINN’s tips for safer dating.