Don't Be Blind-Sided

There are certain things we tend to worry about before going on a blind date. What should I wear? What sort of a person will the guy be? Will he like me? Will we have anything in common? More important is to remember that you're meeting up with a stranger – and your safety is a serious matter. Take these precautions and make sure that, whether or not you end the evening with a new boyfriend on your arm, you get home safely.

BEFORE YOU SAY YES
Find out as much as you can about your date before you agree to meet. Watch out for inconsistencies or contradictions in what he says about himself – these could indicate he's not being honest.
Ask for a photo. According to dating website www.match.com, if he makes excuses about why you can't see a photo, it is possible that he has something to hide.
Until you're sure you can trust him, be careful what information you share. You may let things slip, such as shops or clubs you go to regularly. Don't reveal personal details such as your surname, street address or place of work.
Arrange to meet him in a public place, such as a busy restaurant. Ideally you should arrange a lunch date, so you have the excuse of returning to work afterwards. If you're meeting at night, never agree to meet first at his place – or yours.

BEFORE YOU GO
Let a friend know where you'll be going, what time you plan on getting home and how she can contact you. Also give her your date's name and contact number.
Ask her to phone you an hour into the date to give you a possible escape strategy.
You could also ask her to meet you at the venue after the date. That way your date can leave before you do, eliminating the risk that he will follow you home.

ON THE DATE
Get to the venue in your own car and leave on your own.
First impressions count. 'Trust your intuition,' says COSMO's self-defence expert Sanette Smit. 'Your gut instinct is seldom wrong.' If you get the feeling something isn't right, make an excuse and leave.
Don't drink too much. 'You need to be in control of your senses at all times,' says police superintendent Elliot Sinyangana of the Police Service (SA). Protect yourself against the possibility of your drink being spiked. 'Keep an eye on your drink,' says Smit. If you're in a bar, order your drinks from a waiter or get them yourself. If you leave the table to use the cloakroom, she advises, finish your drink first and take your handbag with you.
There is, of course, the possibility that you will have instant chemistry between you and want to go somewhere else, such as a club or even back to his place. But if at any time you feel uncomfortable or threatened, leave. 'Don't worry about being polite,' says Smit. 'Remember that your personal safety is the first priority,' says Sinyangana.
Don't forget to have fun! Don't go expecting the worst – but do keep your safety in mind at all times.

IF THINGS GO WRONG
Don't feel obliged to stay if you feel awkward. If you're really scared, excuse yourself, say you're going to the bathroom and leave through a back entrance. 'Never worry or feel embarrassed about your behaviour,' say the experts at www.match.com. 'Your safety is much more important than one person's opinion of you.'
'If he tries to overpower you, grab his groin and twist. If he attacks you from behind, use your elbow and hit with all your might,' says Smit. It's important that you get away immediately.

Author: Lesleigh Kivedo