Worried about being "Creeped" by an online date? Well, get smart

Meeting a random person online comes with the same risks as meeting someone face-to-face. It just seems that Online dating gets a lot more media attention when things go bad.

Nevertheless, face-to-face, online or meeting through church fete, there is a protocol that you can follow to keep yourself safe.

Taking precautions is not a gender orientated protocol, it does not make a man a "pussy" or a woman a "paranoid prude", it just makes them smart. Guys, ever heard of "The Black Widow"?

When dopamine and hormones are in control, safety usually takes second place, and this is when trouble can start, so to help you along here are a few precautionary measures.

#1Let friends know where you are

Got a close friend, trusted family member, colleague or roommate? Well, ping them over your location on Whatsapp.

If you can, include names, numbers or any other specifics about your date. Sounds like too much work, but this can help eliminate unnecessary situations from occurring.

#2Take your own car or mode of transport

Not relying on someone else for transport is probably the smartest move ever. Sure, you may not end up stranded, lost and afraid in a dark forest with a maniac chasing you, but if an argument occurs, well, you are free to leave at any time. This is also handy if the date is really that lame, you can release your commitment as you had prior plans. Remember?

So, Uber, Taxi, Train, Tube, bus or even a friend, if they are within 5 minutes walking distance, you're good.

#3Meet in a public place

Decline the offer to be picked up from your home, this pretty much contradicts the previous tip. The same applies to meeting at hotels and seedy motels. Sure, you were horny at the time and wanted to get laid, but you may change your mind at some point. Exit!

First dates (or two) are best at a restaurant, park, cafe or even something arbitrary, like an ice-rink even. Choose a location where you can actually get to know each other without too much noise or bustle, but busy enough if you feel uncomfortable.

#4Keep your online profile sanitised

Images or profile biographies can give away a little too much information about where you work, live or play. As it just so happens, we have you covered on this topic, keeping your online presence safe.

#5Try avoid too many specifics

Chatting about where you work, your job, the company and what university you went to, may seem innocent, however, this is pretty much "bleeding" information. If you feel comfortable with this person, fine, but if it's a first date which you are not sure of, keep it simple. 

So, what do you talk about? Simple things, the simpler the better, but specific locations and identifiers of where you work, live or play, might be a no-no.

#6Take it easy on the booze

Having a shot or two may help with nerves or anxiety, but go easy on how much alcohol you consume. Besides coming across as a little hardcore when you end up hurling up the last 4 G&T's, you also become vulnerable. Keep yourself in check.

#6Watch your drink

Rohypnol (Roofies) and GHB (Gamma HydroxyButyrate) are not that hard to come-by. The worst part, it's colourless and odourless. This takes a few seconds to drop a concoction in your drink which can lead to, well... need we say more? If you suspect something is wrong, toss the drink and excuse yourself immediately. Having you drugged and extracted from a restaurant is not that hard. Saying "Oh, she's drunk, I'm taking her home right now", will mislead many people from suspecting anything.

#7Have an exit strategy

While making arrangements for your date, be sure to let your date know ahead of time that you have to be out of there by 9 pm (or whatever). Remember? Your cousin has their house warming later that night.

That way, if you've had enough of this date, you can get the fuck out of there if this date is going south. The cool part is if the date is going really well, you can always cancel with your cousin, right?

#8Bring your own condom

If this ends up as a sexual encounter, be sure you're prepared.

Guys, bring your own, there have been cases where the condom was rigged, your semen could also be used against you for some twisted reason. Also, take the spent condom with you when you leave and dispose of it yourself.

Seems like a Myth or urban legend, right? Sure, you're free to prove otherwise, at your own expense.

Ladies, contrary to the above, just keep a spare on you. Just keep yourself safe and avoid weird situations later.

When things are looking a little uncomfortable

If things are going a little south, the good news is, you are prepared. Here are two strategies to keep you ahead.

Initiate the DEFCON 1 protocol

Yeah, makes it sound pretty high tech, sure, but again, this can eliminate unnecessary situations. A message or a call with a particular word will do. Your friend will then know to either call the police or make other arrangements to rescue you. Thanks to the information you sent earlier, they will know where to get you.

Send an SOS

Android phones have this really cool feature where if you press the power button 3 times it will initiate an SOS.It will take two pictures (front and back cameras), capture the location, capture a recording and SMS the information to a friends list. If you want to find out more about this, we have added a Google Quick search here.

For iPhone users, the built in function is a little lame, but you can download an App that will give you similar functionality as the Android version.

TaintedGuava will keep an eye out for new methods on this topic and will keep you updated. So remember to sign up to our mailing list below to keep in the loop.

Happy, safe hunting!

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