First Date Know-How

Be careful when agreeing to meet anyone in person.
Set the conditions for your date and do not let the other person change them. Remember, you really do not know someone until you spend time with them in person.

1. Always tell someone where you are going with your date and when you will return. Leave your date's full name and telephone numbers with that person and write it down. For a small fee, you can leave information regarding where you are going and all the pertinent details with a service called SmartDate at http://www.smartdate.com. If your date wants you to keep it secret, this is a very big red flag. Protect yourself.

2. Always meet in a public place that you are familiar with on your first date. Stay near other people in a lighted area. Getting together for coffee is a pleasant, casual way to get to know someone.

3. Never allow yourself to be picked up from your house. Giving your address out to a stranger is not safe. Arrange your own transportation so that you can leave if there is any sign of trouble.

4. Pay attention to everything that this person has told you about him or herself. If you find out that your date has lied about anything, this is another red flag.

5. Do not bring your date back to your house after the first meeting. You do not know this person. Use the same kind of common sense and rules that you would use in any type of dating relationship.

Be smart and be safe. Take control of your future. Know what you are getting into before you invest your heart, money, or your life. Information is the key.

Now that you've got some safety tips, be bold. Check out Match.com and meet that someone special!

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