A safe first date checklist

Before the date

Choose a public venue with other people around, like a cafe, a park or a class. Pick it yourself, or agree to it together, and avoid private spaces for a first meeting.

Chat enough to get a feel for the person. If they dodge basic questions, pressure you to move faster, or get pushy about meeting somewhere private, take that as information.

• Tell a friend who you are meeting, where, and when you expect to be home.
• Share the venue name and, if you like, your live location.
• Check that the person you are meeting matches their photos and name.
• Charge your phone and carry a small battery pack.

Getting there and back

Travel on your own and meet at the venue. Keep your own way home, whether that is your car, a ride-share or public transport. Do not accept a lift on a first date, and do not offer one.

Keep personal details light. Do not share your home address, your workplace in detail, or financial information. First names and general neighbourhoods are enough.

If you meet again, you can build trust step by step. There is no rush to share more, and anyone worth seeing again will understand that. Move at the pace that feels right to you.

During the date

Keep an eye on your drink and your belongings. Pace what you drink, because a clear head makes decisions easier. If you leave the table, finish or refresh your drink when you return.

Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, you can leave. You do not need a reason, an excuse or a polite speech. Say you have to go and go, or ask staff at the venue for help.

After the date

Text your friend when you are home. If you liked the person, you can say so. If you did not, a short, kind message is enough. If someone does not take no for an answer, you can stop replying.

If anything about the date crossed a line, use the block and report tools. MeetBites has them everywhere, and our safety page and community guidelines explain what we expect from everyone.

Planning for ease

Plans with an activity help, because there is something to do and a clear end. On MeetBites, plans happen in public places, the host picks who joins, and you can see how a plan is set up in how it works. A coffee date is a simple place to start.