Whether you’re swiping right on an app or meeting someone new at a local coffee shop, dating can be an exciting experience that leads to meaningful connections.
But amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to keep safety in mind. Here is your ultimate guide to navigating the dating scene—both online and in person.
Online Dating: The Digital Dance
- Take Your Time to Connect: Think of your online conversations as a delightful dance. Don’t rush into a face-to-face meeting; instead, enjoy the rhythm of getting to know each other.
- Do Your Homework: Channel your inner detective! A quick search on social media can help you verify their identity and uncover any potential red flags.
- Guard Your Secrets: Keep your personal and financial information under wraps until you know someone well. Trust your gut!
In-Person Dating: The Real-Life Rendezvous
- Choose Public Places: For your first few dates, opt for lively public spots like a bustling café or a vibrant park.
- Share Your Plans: Before heading out, let a trusted friend or family member know who you’re meeting and where you’re going. Consider sharing your location through a smartphone app.
- Control Your Own Ride: Always arrange your own transportation to and from the date. This gives you the freedom to leave whenever you want. Always have an exit strategy.
- Stay Sober and Aware: Enjoying a drink is perfectly fine but keep an eye on your consumption. Always watch your drink to avoid tampering.
Knowing how to gracefully exit a date that isn’t going as planned is an essential skill. We’ve gathered a collection of exit strategies shared by real people who have faced similar situations. These practical tips and creative approaches can help you leave a date politely and confidently, ensuring that you prioritise your comfort and safety.
The Double-Booking Trick
Before your date, let your date know that you might have to leave early due to a prior commitment. This way, if things aren’t going well, you have a built-in excuse to exit without feeling rude. For example, you might say, “I have a friend’s birthday party later, so I may need to cut our date short.”
The Sudden Crisis
If you need a quick escape, a sudden “emergency” can work wonders. You could fake a call or text from a friend saying something urgent has come up. For instance, you could say, “I just got a message that my roommate locked themselves out of the house; I need to go help them.”
The Ex-Factor
If your date isn’t going well, start mentioning your ex in casual conversation. Talk about past relationships in a way that makes your date feel overshadowed. This can create a natural discomfort that leads to an early exit.
The Early Bird Strategy
At the start of the date, mention that you have an early morning the next day. This gives you a valid reason to leave if things aren’t going well. You might say, “I have to get up early for a meeting, so I can’t stay out too late tonight.”
'Stalking is a crime' Campaign
We want to educate Victorians on the signs of stalking and how to report it in a new campaign with Victoria Police.
Resources
Learn more about our ‘Stalking is a Crime‘ campaign here.
Stalking is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions that affect how we respond to and support victims.
Take our poll here.
Resources to recognising and reporting stalking.
Download here.
If anyone is in immediate danger or a crime is currently occurring, please call police on Triple Zero (000). If you cannot access a phone, you can also go to a police station.
If you think you may be the target of stalking, you can report it to the police by contacting your local police station.
If you or someone you know is unsure what to do and would like to discuss your options:
- Victims of Crime Helpline – 1800 819 817 (8am-11pm): https://www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/get-help
- Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre – 1800 015 188 (24/7): https://www.safesteps.org.au
- The Orange Door – 1800 312 820 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri): https://www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au
- Victoria Legal Aid – 1800 677 402 (8am-6pm): https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
If you would like help removing content online or reclaiming your identity:
- eSafety Commissioner – Link to report
- IDCARE – 1800 595 160 (8am-5pm, Mon-Fri): https://www.idcare.org
Everyone responds to crime differently. If you need help, it is important to reach out:
- 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (24/7): https://www.1800respect.org.au
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7): https://www.lifeline.org.au
- 13YARN – 13 92 76 (24/7): https://www.13yarn.org.au
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 (24/7): https://kidshelpline.com.au
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 (24/7): https://www.beyondblue.org.au
- Headspace – 1800 650 890: https://headspace.org.au
- RainbowDoor – 1800 729 367 (10am – 5pm): https://www.rainbowdoor.org.au
Remember: It can make a real difference having someone to talk to.
- No to Violence – 1300 766 491 (24/7): https://ntv.org.au
- MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978: https://mensline.org.au
- Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS): https://www.vahs.org.au
- InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence: https://intouch.org.au
- Djirra: https://djirra.org.au
- Sikh Helpline Australia: https://www.australiansikhsupport.org
- Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) Support Services: https://icv.org.au
- African Family Services: https://www.africanfamilyservices.org.au/volunteers
- Thorne Harbour Health: https://thorneharbour.org
TIS National – 131 450 (24/7): https://www.tisnational.gov.au
Access to interpreters speaking more than 160 languages.