Staying Safe At A First Time Meet Up
Staying Safe at a First Time Meet Up
Connecting with new people online can provide you with new friendship opportunities. However, you need to take a couple of precausing when deciding to take the leap to meet someone face-to-face for the first time. There’s no doubt that most interactions will go well, but it’s always important to take some basic safety measures before a meetup.
Don't let any anxieties discourage you from pursuing meaningful connections. With a little forethought and planning, you can feel confident enjoying a first meet-up while at ease. The following guidelines are designed not to induce undue worry, but rather to empower you with knowledge and empowerment. With increased understanding of straightforward risk-reduction practices, we hope you can approach new acquaintances from a place of empowerment rather than vulnerability.
Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
Before meeting up, decide what kinds of activities and situations you're comfortable with for a first meet up. A public place like a park, coffee shop, restaurant, or museum can be ideal venues that allow you to keep some personal space while still having the opportunity to chat and get to know each other. Avoid inviting new connections to your home or going to their place until you've met in person a few times and feel you can trust them.
For active activities like hiking or playing sports, aim for populated areas and opt for daytime over evening meet ups when you're first getting to know someone. Let your new friend know up front if there are any activities, behaviors, or personal topics that you aren't okay with so you can both ensure your boundaries are respected.
Not sure how to start a conversation with new acquaintances? Check out our helpful post on the topic:
Tell Someone you Trust About Your Plans
Always let a close friend or family member know the details about who you'll be meeting, where you're going, and what time you plan to be back. Share the person's name and any other identifying details you have about them. You can also agree to text your friend periodically to check in and let them know you're okay.
This gives you an easy way out if the meet-up takes an uncomfortable turn, as you can just say you need to leave to meet your friend or return their call. Having someone who knows your plans also provides a way for them to follow up if you don't check in as expected.
Meet in a Public, Populated Place
Choosing a busy public place with lots of people around is ideal for first meet ups. Not only does this allow you to keep some physical space between you, but you'll also feel safer knowing that you're surrounded by others if the person does end up making you feel uneasy.
Coffee shops, public parks, community centers, and restaurants with open floor plans are all great options. Arrive separately rather than having your new friend pick you up if you'll be driving somewhere else together afterward.
Trust Your Instincts
Our intuition often picks up on subtle cues that someone's intentions or behavior might not be aboveboard. If you get an unsettling feeling about the person you're meeting while interacting with them online or in person, don't second-guess yourself. It's better to be "rude" and get yourself away from a situation that makes you uncomfortable than ignore those gut feelings and put yourself at risk.
Suggest ending the meet-up early or changing plans if the person acts in a way that causes you to feel unsafe, like violating your boundaries or making inappropriate comments. You can be polite but firm in removing yourself from the situation. Don't feel obligated to return to a second location if your instincts are sending up red flags.
Watch Your Alcohol Intake
If the activity involves a bar or drinking, be cautious about overconsuming alcohol around someone you've just met. Having your judgment, awareness, and decision-making impaired in any way can increase your vulnerability.
Stick to no more than one or two drinks to stay in control of your thoughts and actions and be able to properly assess your surroundings and the other person's behavior. Snacking while you drink can also help slow down the effects of the alcohol.
Have an Exit Strategy
In addition to letting someone else know your meetup plans, always have an exit strategy in place to get yourself home safely if you decide to leave early. This means having your own transportation lined up like your personal vehicle, a rideshare service, or public transit. Avoid relying on your new friend for rides, at least for the first few meetups.
Be ready to call a cab or have the number of a friend or family member handy to come pick you up if you feel uncomfortable completing the activity as originally planned. Don't hesitate to remove yourself from any situation that doesn't feel right.
Final Words
Meeting new people can be incredibly rewarding in expanding your social circle and giving you more opportunities to explore your interests. With a few basic precautions, you can stay safe while getting out and mingling with like-minded people in your community through activity-sharing platforms like TOconnect . Trust your gut, set clear boundaries, and always have a backup plan – prioritizing your safety allows you to relax and just focus on having fun!
Are you new in Toronto and looking for ways to feel less lonely? Check out some of our other helpful posts!
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