Dating Safety Checklist — Living Alone
Dating is exciting, but when you live alone, extra precautions matter. Complete these 16 items to date safely and confidently.
Before Meeting
During the Date
After the Date
Online Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is dating riskier when you live alone?
When you live alone, no one notices if you do not come home. There is no roommate waiting up, no one to call if your date goes wrong. That is why telling a friend your plans and setting up an ImAlive check-in are essential — they create the safety net that living alone does not provide.
When is it safe to share my home address with someone I am dating?
There is no fixed timeline, but wait until you have met in person several times, feel comfortable, and have verified their identity. When you live alone, your address is especially sensitive information.
What should I do if a date makes me feel unsafe?
Leave immediately. You do not owe anyone an explanation. Go to a public area, call your trusted friend, or call 911 if you feel threatened. Text your code word if you need your friend to call you with an excuse to leave.
How do I verify someone's identity before meeting them from a dating app?
Do a reverse image search on their profile photos, check if they have consistent social media profiles, and suggest a video call before meeting in person. Be cautious of anyone who avoids video calls or refuses to share basic verifiable information about themselves.
What is a code word system and how do I set one up?
A code word system is a pre-arranged signal between you and a trusted friend. Choose a specific word, phrase, or emoji that means 'I need help.' When your friend receives it via text, they immediately call you with a fabricated excuse for you to leave, such as a family emergency. Agree on the code word and the response plan before your date.
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