Meeting someone in person for the first time can be exciting, especially after getting to know each other on RSVP.
While most first dates are enjoyable, it’s always a good idea to take a few precautions to help you feel safe and comfortable.
Here are some simple tips to help you plan a safe and enjoyable first date.
1. Choose a Public Place
For your first meeting, choose a public location where other people are around.
Good options include:
- A café or coffee shop.
- A casual restaurant.
- A shopping centre or other busy public area.
- A popular location for brunch or lunch.
Avoid meeting at someone’s home, a private residence or an isolated location.
Tip: A casual coffee or brunch date is a great option because it allows you to get to know someone without committing to spending several hours together.
2. Arrange Your Own Transport
Plan how you’ll get to and from your date independently.
We recommend:
- Driving yourself or using public transport.
- Booking your own taxi or rideshare.
- Avoiding accepting a lift from someone you’re meeting for the first time.
- Keeping enough money and phone battery available to get home safely.
Having your own transport means you can leave whenever you feel ready.
For your first date, avoid sharing your home address or arranging to be picked up from your home.
3. Tell Someone You Trust About Your Plans
Before meeting your date, let a friend or family member know:
- Who you’re meeting, including their name or RSVP username.
- Where you’re going.
- What time you’re meeting.
- When you expect to return.
You can also arrange for someone to call or message you at a particular time to check that everything is going well.
If your plans change, let them know.
4. Keep Your First Date Short and Relaxed
Consider arranging a casual first meeting rather than a full-day activity or an overnight trip.
Meeting for coffee, brunch or lunch gives you time to talk and decide whether you’d like to see each other again.
You don’t need to make excuses if you’d prefer to leave.
It’s perfectly okay to politely end a date whenever you feel uncomfortable or simply aren’t enjoying yourself.
5. Be Mindful of Alcohol
If you choose to drink alcohol during your date, be mindful of how much you consume.
To help protect yourself:
- Avoid drinking more than you’re comfortable with.
- Keep your drink with you.
- Don’t leave drinks unattended.
- Avoid accepting drinks if you’re unsure where they’ve come from.
Staying aware of your surroundings can help you make decisions confidently.
6. Protect Your Personal Information
Even if you’ve been chatting online for a while, take your time before sharing personal details.
You don’t need to disclose:
- Your home address.
- Your workplace or daily routine.
- Financial information.
- Personal account passwords.
- Other sensitive information.
Share details gradually as trust develops.
7. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels uncomfortable or unsafe during your date, trust your judgement.
You don’t need to stay because you’re worried about appearing rude or disappointing someone.
You can:
- Politely end the date.
- Move to an area where other people are present.
- Ask venue staff for assistance.
- Contact a friend or family member.
- Arrange your own transport home.
Your safety and comfort are always more important than someone’s opinion of you.
8. Don’t Feel Pressured to Go Somewhere Private
For a first date, we recommend avoiding invitations to:
- Visit your date’s home.
- Invite them to your home.
- Travel together to an unfamiliar location.
- Stay overnight.
- Accept a lift to another destination.
Even if the date is going well, there’s no need to rush.
Take your time and only agree to plans that make you feel comfortable.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
If your date behaves inappropriately, threatens you or makes you feel unsafe:
- Leave the situation as soon as it’s safe to do so.
- Contact someone you trust.
- Seek assistance from venue staff or people nearby if needed.
- Report concerning behaviour to RSVP.
- Contact the police if you’ve experienced threats, harassment or a criminal offence.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.
Enjoy Your First Date
First dates are an opportunity to meet someone new, enjoy a conversation and see whether there’s a connection.
Taking a few simple precautions can help you feel more relaxed and confident.
Choose a public place, let someone know your plans, arrange your own transport and always trust your instincts.
Remember, a respectful date will understand and support your decisions about personal safety.