The Naked Truth | Blind date safety tips on sex, alcohol, researching dates online and going with your gut
- Blind dates were once set up by trusted friends, but dating apps are today’s matchmakers, and it’s made meeting the right person even more complicated
- A relationship expert lays out the dos and don’ts to keep in mind when meeting a stranger for the first time
Technology has made it so easy for us to meet people and make new friends. And because of it, many people have dropped their guard in their pursuit of love.
Not too long ago, many of us were still meeting potential love interests through friends, colleagues or at work. Back then, blind dates were often set up by friends who would know the other person. Therefore, personal safety in the presence of a stranger was less of an issue.
Today, the role of a matchmaker is done through dating apps so the “pre-screen” process is absent. But so long as you follow some simple tips and prioritise your safety, there is no real harm in blind dating through such apps, says Valentina Tudose, a relationship expert and certified hypnotherapist.
“Saying yes to meeting a stranger can be a nerve-racking experience, especially for introverts or people who find it difficult to flirt and relax in a new environment. The key thing to remember is that a date is not a job interview, and it does not represent a life or death situation,” she says.
“If there is no spark then you’ve not lost anything, and you can simply go your separate ways. But if you two click, then this could be the love of your life. Just go in being prepared for either and enjoy the ride.”
