First date prep

The list adapts to you

Answer the questions and only the items you need stay on the list. Your answers carry over to the app and the file.

• Did you meet online? NoYes

Items on the list: 15 of 15 · Show all

Work through the list in order. Hide the notes when you know what to do.

1. Pick a busy public place for the first meeting

   A well-lit café or bar with people around — not an apartment or an empty spot, however romantic it seems.

2. Tell a friend where and with whom you're going

   A name (or profile), location, rough time, and when to expect an 'I'm okay' text — sent ahead of time, not recounted afterward.

3. Set a check-in time to call or text

   A friend who reaches out at an agreed hour if they haven't heard from you — simple and it actually works.

4. Arrange your own way there and back

   Don't rely on a ride from the date — being able to leave whenever you want matters more than politeness.

5. Verify the profile before meeting Yes

   A video call beforehand or a quick search by name and photo — a basic check that they are who they say they are.

6. Don't rush to share your personal phone number Yes

   Many dating apps let you chat and even call within the app — use that until trust builds up.

7. Share live location for the duration

   With the same friend who has the plan — just for a couple of hours, switch it off right after.

8. Have a polite excuse to leave ready in advance

   'Early morning tomorrow' or similar — a ready-made line removes the awkwardness if the date just isn't working.

9. Bring enough money to cover yourself

   Regardless of who ends up paying — the payment question shouldn't determine whether you can leave if you need to.

10. Never leave your drink unattended

    And order it yourself rather than accepting an already-poured drink from someone you just met.

11. Keep a clear head on a first meeting

    A first date isn't the moment to test your limits with alcohol, however well things are going.

12. Trust your gut if something feels off

    Leaving early with no explanation is completely fine and needs no justification to anyone.

13. Leave home with a fully charged phone

    And a power bank just in case — a dead phone quietly cancels the whole safety plan.

14. Pick an outfit you can move comfortably in

    Shoes you can actually walk in if plans change — comfort beats looking impressive in the moment.

15. Send a friend a short recap afterward

    Even if it went great — close the loop on the safety plan rather than leaving it hanging.