Safe on Date Night
You’ve done it – you’re finally on that first date with the partner of your dreams. Clarke Gable has turned up at your door (or Ed Sheeran, for the younger readers), with a box of chocolates, a bunch of Roses, and a reservation at that restaurant or bar you’ve always wanted to go to. Life (or at least this evening) couldn’t be better.
And then, reality intervenes.
You don’t really know a person until you spend time with them. Clarke (or Ed) isn’t quite the guy you thought he’d be. And sometimes, as you’re getting to know them, you realize you are in a bad situation.
So, how can you protect yourself if the guy you’re with turns out to be dangerous, a manipulator or he’s out for one thing only and won’t take no for an answer? We’ve come up with a list of things you can do to protect yourself and stay safe.
Protect Your Drink
Date rape is sometimes started by slipping an odorless, tasteless drug into the woman’s drink. When consumed, the woman becomes weak and confused and is unaware of her surroundings. When you are with someone you don’t know very well, keep your drink with you at all times – even to the bathroom. Don’t assume your date is safe just because he is super cute, or nice, or says all the right things.
Another option is to use a coaster or card that Drink Safe Technologies developed. It is easy to use. All you do is pull it out of your pocket and let a couple drops be smeared onto the specified areas. If your drink is drugged, the card will let you know.
We have a bunch of these Drink Safe cards. Call us or use the contact form for information on how to get a free one. No appointment necessary – you don’t have to fulfill any obligation to get one. They’re free just because we want you to be safe!
For more information on how to protect yourself from date rape drugs, visit Women’s Health.
Angel Shots
There’s a new trend at bars and restaurants that help women when the date is turning out to be ugly. All you do is order an Angel Shot from the bartender or server. That’s the code word that indicates you’re in a bad situation. Order the Angel Shot with lime and the police will be called. If you order it neat then your date will be escorted out. If you ask for ice then a taxi (Uber or Lyft) will be called for you.
Since this has become more popular, the code word is changed from time to time. How will you know what to order? The bar or restaurant will hang a poster in the women’s bathroom with the correct word. Oftentimes, women write the code word on the door of the stall.
Text Your Friends
Before I went to England to meet my future husband, my friend came up with the code word Red Dress. If I called her and mentioned that I forgot my red dress, she knew I was in trouble and would promptly call the police. I never had to use that word, but I did get a dress. A white one for my wedding day.
Set up code words with your friends and let them know where you are. Keep in touch with them throughout the date, and have an arranged excuse for you to leave on an emergency, or have them call the police if you are in danger.
Involve the Establishment
Once while I was in college and taking a test in the library, a man approached me and started asking questions. When I politely turned him down, he sat across the room and just stared at me for about an hour. He was emanating some pretty creepy vibes and I was nervous about walking alone to the car. When I was finished with the exam, I went up to the librarian and explained the situation to him. He agreed to walk with me to the car when I asked.
Don’t be afraid to involve the people who work at the places you’re at whether it’s a restaurant, a bar, a movie theater, or the host of the party. You’ll find that most people are more than willing to help.
Protect Yourself and Stay Safe
Trust yourself. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, even if you can’t pinpoint the reason why, then act on it. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t be a victim. And don’t let a man convince you that your fears are unfounded when deep down you know that there is truth to your feeling. You are responsible for you, and only you can protect yourself. Again – trust yourself and trust your instincts!
The Best Remedy
Finally, if the date you’re on turns out to be bad, our advice is to bail out as soon as possible. Pick up some chips and cookie dough and curl up on the couch to binge on some Netflix.
Do you have other ways you use to be safe on a date? We would love to hear your ideas!
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