MAKE SURE YOU STAY SAFE ON A FIRST DATE

One in four Brits has felt unsafe on a date in the past year, but 49 per cent stayed to be polite – protect yourself with Emma’s rules

An app called Safe A Date has been released, aiming to protect women on first dates. Recent stats show that sexual assault has increased by 700 per cent in the past four years, so it’s needed. I’m not implying that all dating is dangerous, but it’s hugely important to approach blind dates with caution. Meet somewhere busy and where alcohol is off the menu – the police say that you’re far more likely to be a victim of crime if you drink. Agree a time frame – I gave the one and only blind date I ever went on an hour slot in a coffee shop. In the first ten minutes, he suggested gay people were mentally ill, and it was a relief to be able to leave exactly an hour later. If it’s awkward, you know you can get away without having to explain yourself. Listen to your instincts. My mum always says, “If it smells off, it’s off,” and it’s exactly the same with dating. If the person you’ve met seems creepy, scary or odd, get your bag and walk away. It’s far better to offend someone you’ll never see again than to never be seen again. Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and send them details of who you’re meeting. Ideally, let your date know you have done this so they automatically know you’re smart, savvy and safe. It’s easy to feel charmed and to act impulsively, but the saying “better to be safe than sorry” really is true when it comes to dating, both on and offline. If you’ve found The One, they won’t pressure you to stay, to go anywhere or do anything that makes you uncomfortable.