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Making new connections and meeting people can feel challenging, especially in a big city like Toronto. The pandemic has made forming new friendships even harder, as options for socializing were heavily restricted for a long time. 

While meeting strangers online comes with some risks, taking safety precautions can help ensure positive experiences. With a bit of thoughtfulness, moving internet connections to in person meetings doesn't need to be scary - it can be a fun way to make new friends.

Choose Busy, Public Spaces  

One of the most important safety factors is choosing populated, public locations for initial meetings. Busy areas deter bad behavior, and there are other people around in case of an emergency. Some good options include:

• Coffee Shops - Coffee shops are classic first meeting spots. They're low-key but provide activity and noise to ease any potential awkwardness. Most have outdoor seating too. 

• Some popular coffee shops in the Toronto area include Dineen Coffee Co, Neo Coffee Bar, Rooster Coffee House, Versus Coffee, Manic Coffee, Mast Coffee, HotBlack Coffee and Fahrenheit Coffee.

• Parks - Large parks with walking paths are great for daytime conversation. Stick to main areas with lots of people versus secluded spots. 

• Some of Toronto’s most popular parks include High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Queen’s Park, Budapest Park and Berczy Park.

• Malls - Indoor malls offer amenities and distractions just in case you run out of conversation topics. You can grab food and casually watch people-watch too. 

• Some good malls to consider are: The Well, Dufferin Mall, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto Eaton Centre.

• Libraries - Libraries are a calming environment for getting acquainted. Consider meeting in the cafe area versus isolated study rooms. The Toronto Public Library is an excellent option and has plenty of locations all over the Toronto area

• Museums - Museums let you explore exhibits together and give you backup conversation topics if needed. Plus security is always around.

• Some good museums in the Toronto area include: the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Hockey Hall of Fame, Little Canada, the Bata Shoe Museum, Black Creek Pioneer Village

The key is opting for locations where you feel other people will be around and within earshot if needed. Avoid deserted or out-of-the-way areas, especially at first.

Meet During Daylight Hours

Daytime hours from morning until early evening are generally the safest windows for initial face to face meetings. There are more people out and about, and visibility is better than at night. Later evenings when places are emptier should be avoided to reduce potential risk.

A weekday afternoon or lunch break is also preferable to a weekend, when crowds may be smaller or more unpredictable. Stick to daylight hours as much as possible until comfortable with the person.

Choose a Public Transportation Route

Have your own transportation planned in case you need to leave quickly. But also consider your route of getting to and from the meeting. Opt for well-traveled, populated areas versus isolated spots. 

If driving, leave your car in a well-lit, busy location. Don't ever feel forced to accept a ride from a new acquaintance right away. Taking ride shares or public transit keeps you in control of your commute.

• Rideshare options to consider: Uber, Poparide, Lyft

• Public transit options to consider: Bus, Train, TTC

Let Others Know Details

Inform a friend or family member of your plans, including who you're meeting and where. Provide updates after the meeting concludes safely too. Pictures of the person and their vehicle can help with identification if needed.

Consider using check-ins and sharing your live location on a messaging app with a trusted contact during the meeting. This allows them to support you discreetly from afar if any warning flags arise in person.

Trust Your Instincts

If at any time you feel uncomfortable or perceive red flags from the other person’s behavior or your surroundings, do not ignore your intuition. Have an exit strategy in place and do not be afraid to politely cut the meeting short for your well-being. 

Your safety should be the top priority. It's always okay to follow your gut and remove yourself from a situation that doesn't feel quite right versus worrying about seeming rude. Your comfort level is key.

Connect in a Virtual Setting First

Consider video chatting or a phone call before committing to an in-person meeting. This lower-pressure interaction lets you get a sense of the person without safety risks. Look out for consistency between their profile and how they are during your video call. 

Virtual meetings are also a good idea for assessing whether you feel at ease with them. Trust factors like friendliness, respectfulness of boundaries and ability to hold age-appropriate conversation will reveal a lot. 

Don't feel obligated to move straight to in-person if you have any doubts. Use remote options to see how well you can get along first.

Have an Enjoyable, Positive Mindset  

While precautions are sensible, approaching initial meetings with a positive attitude can also help put you and the other person at ease. 

Smile, make eye contact, ask friendly questions and be an active listener. Complimenting aspects like choice of coffee or park trail can create a relaxed vibe. Framing it positively as an opportunity to connect rather than a risk makes it more enjoyable.

Remember - you're taking these proactive steps to feel comfortable and empowered. With a little care and common sense, meeting people from the internet doesn't need to induce worry or fear. Staying safe allows you to open yourself up to new friendships and experiences.