13 Sep 2023 | 3 mins
Overview
  1. Protect Your Info: Safeguard your personal information until trust is established.
  2. Cautious Photo Sharing: Be wary of explicit photos and watch for red flags.
  3. Verify Their Identity: Use voice messages or request more info to build trust.
  4. Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your gut feelings, even if everything seems perfect.
  5. Arrange Safe Meetings: Share your whereabouts and choose public places.

We're hearing "we met on Tinder" on the reg now. With the rise of swiping left or right to find a potential partner, it's vital to have these safety tips on your radar. These aren't here to scare you, just to inspire you to stay a lil' vigilant. 

1. Protect your info

I know this may sound obvious (I thought so too), yet I still told a bloke where I worked, and then he started lowkey stalking me there... Please do better than I did at protecting your personal information. Whether that's your addy, your workplace, or even your phone number until you feel comfortable. Build trust before splurting out your info. 

2. Be cautious when sharing photos

Sharing some flicks is a common part of online dating but maybe avoid sharing explicit or compromising pics early on, and definitely see the red flags if anyone's pressuring you to do so. And if you're under 18, sending anything explicit is super illegal so it's a complete no-go. 

You know this, I know this, but let's not forget that once a photo is sent, you lose control over where it ends up. Again, trust is key. 

3. Verify their identity

I'm a Hinge gal through and through especially because Hinge lets you send voice messages. So from the get-go, I'll start talking through them and they'll probably reply with one. A little bit more verification of their identity other than just a text builds a bit more trust.

Maybe you could ask for additional photos, or get their Insta, or have a call just to check that this person matches their profile and seems... well, legit. 

4. Trust your instincts

I was once chatting to a bloke who seemed soulmate material. (Btw, anyone that loves Led Zeppelin to me, is soulmate material.) We were voice messaging and had a date lined up, but something felt off. I couldn't put my finger on it but my intuition kicked in. 

I called off the date with tonnes of notice, wanting to suss the vibe further... he went balls to the wall nuts and I was shown his true colours. Thank the lords I didn't go through with the date because he seemed to have a screw loose! 

If you feel off, reason or no reason, trust it. If anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, block them immediately. Listen to your instincts - they've gotten us humans this far!

5. Arrange a safe meeting

So, you're meeting IRL! Exciting (and frazzling, let's be real). First, let your mates know where you're going, even have your location services on. Also choose a public place for your first date like a cafe, pub, restaurant, park or beach.

 

Again, these aren't meant to rattle you at all!! Just keep your common sense hat on whilst navigating the online dating world so it can stay fun, hilarious and hey, romantic. 🥰