Even though I’m no longer in the dating pool (thank goodness, because swiping right sounds exhausting and I need to be asleep by 9 p.m.), I still care deeply about making sure those of you brave souls out there looking for love stay safe. While I might be on the sidelines now, my concern for your well-being is still front and center. Whether you’re venturing out on a blind date or testing the waters with someone you met on a dating app, the risks are real. And let’s face it, you deserve a night that ends in laughs, not an incident report. So, in the spirit of keeping you out of the back of a squad car (or worse), here are some tips to ensure your date night doesn’t turn into a nightmare.
1. Trust your instincts
We’ve all got that sixth sense, the one that whispers, “Something’s off here.” Well, guess what? It’s not just good for sniffing out trouble on the job – it works on dates too. If your date gives you the heebie-jeebies, listen to that inner voice. The legendary book “The Gift of Fear,” by Gavin de Becker, is practically required reading for anyone who wants to stay alive and kicking. It teaches you to trust those gut feelings and avoid bad situations. It’s like a tactical vest for your brain.
2. Tell someone where you’re going
This is not the time to be mysterious. You might be going for a bit of mystery with your date, but don’t be a mystery to your friends or family. Before you head out, make sure someone knows where you’re going, who you’re meeting and how to track you down if things go south. Think of it as your own personal dispatch system. There are a bunch of apps for your phone that you can share with a trusted person to see where you are located. Times have changed, for the better. I used to leave a note on my refrigerator saying who I was out with, what I was wearing and where we were going!
3. Safety products to keep you covered
Why leave your safety to chance when you can be prepared? Here’s a list of products that can help keep your date from becoming a “situation.”
- Drink protection covers. These nifty little gadgets fit over your drink to prevent anything (or anyone) from slipping something extra in there. They’re reusable, easy to carry and basically the undercover backup you need at the bar. I like this one.
- Drink testing strips. Another option: carry some drink testing strips. They’re like the field sobriety test for your beverage – except they test for substances that shouldn’t be there. Just dip a testing strip in, and you’ll know if your drink has been compromised. These can test for common drugs like GHB and ketamine, as well as Rohypnol.
- Pepper spray. A classic for a reason and legal in all 50 states, keep a can of pepper spray in your pocket or bag, and make sure you know how to use it. A quick spritz in the right direction, and you’ll have time to make your exit, stage left. Make sure you comply with local laws and restrictions, of course! Some – like the one I have chosen – have a UV marking dye mixed in to help confirm the person sprayed at a later time.
- Self-protection alarm. This little gadget is a lifesaver – literally. Clip it onto your keys, and if things get sketchy, pull the pin. It lets out a high-pitched scream that’ll have your would-be attacker running for cover (and alert everyone else within a mile radius there may be trouble).
- Concealed carry weapon. If you’re trained and licensed, carrying a concealed weapon is a solid option. Just remember the basics: safety first, always know your surroundings, and keep it concealed. No one wants to see your piece on the first date – except maybe a first responder, in which case, congrats, you might have just found true love.
Dating might be a battlefield, but with these tips and tools, you’ll be ready to navigate it like a pro. Remember, it’s all about staying safe and having fun – without ending up on a 911 report. Keep your wits about you, and you’ll make it through the night (maybe even with your heart intact). Good luck and stay safe!
