One of the biggest issues people have of online dating is the fear of “all of the crazies out there!” Well, the thing is, “those crazies” aren’t just on the online dating sites…they have to live and breathe and exist somewhere – and most likely at a city near you!

So now that you are completely paranoid and ready to stop the dating process completely and resort to becoming a spinster, STOP! I have some dating safety tips that will help you in ALL of your dating scenarios; online dating, blind dates and date requests from the sexy man in the produce section of the grocery store!

1. Involve Your Friend – Remember when you were a teen and your folks always interrogated you as you were walking out the door “Who are you going out with? When will you be back? Where are you going? What are their parent’s name and phone number?” Well, don’t let my Mom know I said this, but that was a really good safety idea. When you are meeting up with someone for the first (and maybe even the second) time, make sure you have a friend who knows who you are meeting, where you are meeting and when you are meeting. With the “who”, include his name, phone number, and if you met him on a dating site, which site and his handle.

   You can even ask your friend to either text you or call you 45 min to an hour after the date starts just to check in. (You can also use this as an exit strategy if the date is going poorly.)

2. Select or Agree to a Public Place for the First Few Dates – There is safety in numbers; so be safe! Only agree to a location where there are many people – for example, a coffee shop, restaurant, bowling alley, putt-putt golf course, etc. Some not so good selections for the first few dates – taking a hike on an off beaten path, going to the mountains to shoot guns, going for a drive in the mountains or visiting a secluded beach. Be very clear about what works for you. If they suggest a hike in the forest for the first date, you don’t have to be snotty about it, just say, “Ya know, I don’t feel comfortable with that for the first date. How about a picnic in the park.” If they insist on going for a hike, TURN DOWN THE DATE! Your safety is more important than his “feelings.”

3. Always Meet Him for the First Date – Now I am a fan of Ladies and Gentlemen acting like Ladies and Gentlemen, but dating safety always comes first. There is no reason for a man to know where I live until I have met him in person AT LEAST once! This means I meet him at the trail head of the hiking trail for our first date….oh wait, I already forgot tip #2. Let me try that again, this time with dating safety in mind - this means I meet him at the restaurant or coffee shop where we have planned on meeting. This keeps me safe by not disclosing my home address and gives me access to my car so I am free to leave when I choose.

4. Trust Your Gut – This one is the most important. If the guy gives you that creepy feeling in your gut – LISTEN!!! Get out of there. You don’t need to make a scene, but end the date and move on. This gut feeling is your safety device throughout your dating journey. Don’t be afraid to listen to your gut.

I will admit, in this “crazy world” dating can seem to be a scary activity – however, I would challenge you to ponder the thought that life isn’t any crazier or scarier than it was before; with the birth of the internet and the increase in media coverage, the craziness is now more readily available to us.

With that being said, you have the choice to put your head in the sand and remain single OR you can create the relationship of your dreams. If you choose the later, keep these dating safety tips in mind and open yourself up to the world of many new wonderful people…and maybe even Mr. Right!