A single friend of mine thought that I should write an article on dating safety.  There does seem to be an increase in crazies roaming around out there. Or perhaps, because of news programs that run 24 hours a day, we hear about more incidents of missing women, rapes and assaults across the country and the world.  No wonder females appear overly cautious and wary around unfamiliar men.  These tips can help you stay safe and still have a good time while dating.
It is rare that your mother or aunt is the matchmaker these days. A large percentage of matchmaking occurs online.  Dating websites offer an opportunity to meet others while remaining anonymous and, in the initial stages, that is probably a good idea.  Your mother or aunt or friend may know the person very well.   Times were different.  Online dating is a different scenario all together.  There is no mother vetting and it is up to you to make the determination.  Is it safe or not?  Guys, this is a two way street.  I dated one crazy and that was more than enough.  Just a disclaimer, I have been in a relationship for almost 19 years.  I had to do a lot of research for this article, and I feel your pain.
When online dating, use the services of a professional dating service.  These services should provide a confidential way to communicate with the other person and obtain additional information about them prior to meeting them.  Ask a lot of questions.  Ask about their children and past history.  Are they free to talk with you during the week or just at certain times. If they are unattached, meaning not married or in a relationship, they should be available weekends and evenings.  That excludes the hours of work and sleep.  In the case of some men, that would be not during  football or baseball games.
Tip One. Be sure you see a recent picture of them.  In my research I found that some people may not be totally honest in representing how they look.  If they don’t give a current photo, then is a crap shoot, and you are going in blind.

Tip Two. By all means, meet in a public place.  A romantic meeting in the park sounds great, but do you really want to meet in an isolated place, where your screams wouldn’t be heard?  The best idea is a coffee shop.  There is no alcohol, (more about that in a later tip) and usually lots of people.
Tip Three.  Maintain your independence.  Drive yourself or take a taxi to the first meeting.  You do not want to wind up trapped in a vehicle with someone that you do not know and may not wind up liking.  Or your date may not go the way you had planned and the ride home may be very awkward.  For whatever reason, you may need to leave, so having your own transportation is a good idea.  By driving yourself, you can keep the date from knowing your address.  The other person not knowing where you live will come in handy in case he or she turns out to be a stalker.  Guys, stalkers aren’t just males, females have been known to engage in the creepy sport as well.
Tip Four. Before leaving for the first date, tell someone, a friend or family member where you are going and when you are expected back.  If you have a cell phone, take it with you. You may want to carry some type of personal safety device, like mace or pepper spray. Our sponsors Dick’s Sporting Goods and Spy Associates offer personal safety devices.

Tip Five.  Avoid alcohol on the first date.  Alcohol clouds your judgment and makes you sometimes do unfortunate things that you regret later.  Just ask Lindsay Lohan.
Tip Six.  On the subject of drinks, it is good idea to keep your drink in sight.  Spiking the drink with date rape drugs has been known to happen and you don’t want to wind up as the star on a porn site.
Tip Seven.  In an earlier article, I discussed observation as a safety tip.  When dating, be aware and listen to your instincts.  If you are uncomfortable, for any reason, get out.  Make sure you are not being followed.  If you feel that you are being followed, don’t go directly home.  Drive to a police or fire station, hotel or emergency room.  And don’t worry about parking in a designated space, park near the door and get inside as quickly as possible.  Cops and firemen love damsels in distress.  That why they are cops and firemen to help people and impress girls.
Now that I have scared you.  Go out and enjoy dating.  Just remember the tips.
Remember:  Your safety is up to you