A lot of people might think it’s over-the-top, but tucking some pepper spray or Mace in your purse when you go on a first date is a good move in case you get attacked. When you receive your extension sticker, do not put it on your windshield while your vehicle is out of state. Keep the sticker and the instructions in your vehicle to show to an out-of-state police officer. The sticker is not a guarantee that a police officer will not issue you a traffic ticket.
When you’re planning a first date, don’t go somewhere too fancy or too loud. The point of a first date is to see how well you connect with each other—not how much you spend on dinner or how well you read lips over drum solos. You’re trying to decide if you like someone while also wondering if there’s spinach in your teeth. And in this swipe-right, algorithm-driven dating world, it can feel like we’ve turned something deeply human into a checklist. You might tense up at the thought of making small talk with a stranger. Or maybe you’re replaying that awful date that ended with having your mom send you a fake emergency text (no judgment—we’ve all been there).
Tell A Friend Where You’ll Be
You should always use the dating app for initial communication, but at some point, you may want to swap phone numbers. There are many apps on the market that you can download that allow you to keep your phone number private. Many people like to grab a drink on their first date, but if you do decide to go to a bar, take care to stay sober.
You can make an excuse or just immediately call a car, but feeling uneasy doesn’t lead to a positive outcome. Bumble even has Video Chat and Voice Call features within the app to make it as easy as possible, and to ensure you don’t have to give out personal info like your number or email address. It’s safer to keep your personal information private, especially at first, until you’ve decided whether you trust your match with it.
Temporary Extension For Out-of-state Vehicles
You’re pumped—ready to get out there, have some fun, and meet someone new. If you buy or get a vehicle from someone other than a dealer registered with the New York State DMV, you will receive an inspection extension that will last 10 days from the date of the registration. The DMV brochure New York State Vehicle Safety/Emissions Inspection Program for Cars and Light Trucks lists the equipment items checked during a safety inspection, and a description of the safety inspection.
Everyone appreciates thoughtful compliments if they’re given the right way. Telling your date “Wow, you look great” when you first meet is excellent. Creepily eyeing them up and down while you say it isn’t cool.
Reduce your worry list before your date by taking a few simple measures to make sure your date is both enjoyable and safe. Don’t Leave Your Drink You’ve probably heard not to accept drinks from strangers at the bar, and you also shouldn’t leave your drink alone with your date. There are tasteless, odorless and colorless drugs that can be slipped into drinks and have been known to assist in sexual assaults. It’s always best to be overly cautious when it comes to protecting your drink. If at any point you suspect you may have been drugged, don’t hesitate to leave and get help right away.
Some online dating red flags are more obvious, like if a prospective partner is asking you for money before your first date. But there are other red flags that not only seem innocent, but a natural part of dating. To keep yourself safe from scams, don’t give out personal information to potential dates and never entertain requests for money. Online dating has become the new norm, with more than 40 million Americans using the internet to search for love, according to Match.com1. However, there’s always some risk involved when meeting someone for the first time, especially if you met them online.
The point of a first date isn’t to decide if this person is “the one.” Or to wonder if this is the last first date you’ll ever have. Or to imagine dying all alone surrounded by hundreds of houseplants if it doesn’t work out. (You won’t.) You’re not weak, and you’re not crazy for having a heart that wants to love and be loved. Trust Your Instinct At the end of the day, you have a gut instinct that’s usually pretty accurate. In fact, research shows that women are more skilled than men at reading nonverbal gestures and emotions, which means your date doesn’t even have to say anything for you to sense what his motives are.
By keeping your alcohol intake in check, you retain control over your faculties, allowing you to prioritize your safety and ensure that you’re fully present and alert throughout the date. If you don’t love the idea of meeting someone you don’t know solo, pitch a group outing and suggest your date bring a friend, too. “I tell people to get creative, and make it a friend date,” says relationship expert Natalia Genevieve. “There are less expectations and it takes a thumb of pressure off.” If you decided you liked your date, you can move on to more intimate meetups from there. And most importantly, take as many precautions as you need to feel safe.
If you google your date and find some questionable info or just get a bad feeling, follow your gut and cancel ASAP. No, we’re not talking condoms here (though having condoms with you is always a good idea). Netflix and chill is fun and all, but don’t ever invite someone you hardly know over to your house, or go over to theirs. Uber it or drive your own car and not only will you have a quick getaway if things get weird, but you’re also keeping your home address hidden from your date. It may sound a little overboard, but if no one knows you’re out, they won’t know they should be worried if something should go wrong. If James Franco’s character had just let someone know he was going out hiking, they would have known to look for him a whole lot sooner.
You’re having a great time; laughing, sharing stories—and suddenly, you realized you’ve told them where you live, where you work, and even your daily jogging route. Be yourself, be honest, and express appreciation for their time. The goal is to see if there’s a connection and to leave a positive impression for a potential https://www.instagram.com/p/DN5Vm9CjOmK/ second date. Knowing that someone else knows where you are going can give you a sense of security and make you feel more at ease during your date. Sharing the details with a friend or family member can help build excitement for the upcoming outing, too.
You can attach it to the windshield again with clear tape or a small amount of clear adhesive. newlineRemember that an inspection station must be able to remove the sticker during your next inspection. Search by facility type and location to find an inspection station or other DMV-regulated business near you. There are currently road test cancellations or DMV offices closed for in-person services. Have the waiter help get you out of the situation by saying you have an urgent call.
If you want to, you can turn on your phone’s location sharing with that person so they can track your whereabouts in case of emergency. Getting to meet someone you fancy while you’re with your pal? But if you don’t want to deal with the awkwardness of that conversation (fair enough), you can always make something up and message them later to say you had a nice time, but would like to just be friends.
But crossing your arms, looking around the room, compulsively checking your phone, or fidgeting can make you seem bored or nervous and send a message that you don’t really want to be on the date. But that’s not a big deal if you set aside a monthly amount for dating in your budget. Just like every other category of your budget, you want to be disciplined about sticking within your boundaries. If your date gives you grief for sticking to your budget, that’s their hang-up, not yours. If you’re nervous about your date, take a deep breath in, hold it for three seconds, and let it out.
Focus on highlighting your interests and intentions without revealing personal specifics—this balances openness with caution. For instance, you might say, “I love exploring local coffee shops” instead of sharing your favorite spot’s exact address or your weekend itinerary. This way, you keep the conversation engaging but protect your privacy until trust is built.
If this is your first year using the ITA, please review the ITA User Guide before getting started. The sighting came five days earlier than the first sighting of last year, which occurred March 14. In 2024, the first sighting was March 3, and in both 2022 and 2023, it was March 7. Ensuring your phone remains charged and within reach during the entirety of your date is pivotal.
Your personal safety is much less fun but an equally important aspect to consider while dating. By carefully preparing for your date, knowing the do’s and don’t’s while on your date, and knowing what to do in an emergency situation, you can be sure to have a fun, safe first date. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know each other better in a social context. You get a more complete picture of your date by talking to and observing the people they call their friends, and you get a read on how your date gets along with and accepts your friend group. There is also less pressure on either of you to keep the conversation flowing productively.
If you don’t have a car, take a cab, public transportation, or ask a friend to drop you off and pick you up. Until you know someone better, it’s always a good idea to meet him there. While there’s some stigma attached to “Facebook stalking” potential dates, you shouldn’t feel bad about doing a little social media research before meeting someone for the first time.
- Whether meeting someone for the first time or exploring a new relationship, these tips will help ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
- If anything changes regarding your whereabouts during the course of the evening, let them know right away.
- And sometimes the best way to do that is to talk about hot topics, like politics, faith, family history and other important parts of life.
- The last thing you want is to be blackout drunk with someone you’re just getting to know.
Yet, amidst all the excitement of love’s first steps, our safety must never be an afterthought. Navigating the world of modern romance means embracing vulnerability without compromising our peace of mind. In this article, we’ll explore how to keep your heart open while protecting your well-being, so your journey toward love feels as secure as it is enchanting. After all, the best kind of love is the kind that lifts you up—and leaves you feeling safe to dream.
Ask the authorities if a New York State inspection extension sticker prevents a ticket for the violation. The extension allows you 10 days from the date the vehicle returns to New York State to get an inspection. You can have your vehicle re-inspected or order a replacement sticker using the form Request for Replacement Inspection Sticker (PDF) (VS-118). Complete the form and mail it to the address on the form. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must have your vehicle inspected in New York. If your vehicle was registered in another state which issues an inspection sticker, you do not need to have your vehicle inspected immediately.
No matter what, make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep yourself safe. Please don’t put up with anything that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. What we mean is, don’t meet at your home or any other location that is private and important to you. On your first date, you should agree to meet up somewhere public and neutral rather than giving someone you don’t know very well your home address – or, alternatively, going to a stranger’s private home.
You need to be able to get yourself home safely, and you put yourself at risk when intoxicated. On a similar note, it’s best to provide your own transportation to the date, even if it’s just taking a cab, the subway or a rideshare. While it may seem chivalrous when your date offers to pick you up, you’ll be happy you can leave on your terms if things go south.
You’re here to find connection, share some laughs, learn about someone new, and maybe eat nachos (my measures of a great date). Please don’t wreck your budget or your comfort zone trying to impress someone you don’t know. Be yourself, but also know where you’re going (don’t wear a T-shirt to a nice restaurant or heels to go hiking). If you can, go out with at least one other friend — that way, you can keep on eye on each other in case someone is slipped a date rape drug or appears to be drinking too much. It’s also a great way to get a second opinion if you are getting bad vibes from a date.
Money scams can vary from helping your potential suitor, to helping their sick dog or family members. It all boils down to the scammer attempting to get money from you to help pay for something. Once they get this money, they may try to extort you for more, or simply vanish. Profiles of people who aren’t local, especially if they only want to meet at a hotel or other private area, should be approached with caution. Be cautious if someone unmatches with you after getting your phone number or before you get a chance to go on a date with them. This could be a way for a person to prevent being reported on those apps.


