Advice/tips on meeting in real life?

[Capri]

Since I have never met anyone in the DDlg/bdsm community in real life yet, I wonder what things I should make sure or be cautious of first.

This goes for meeting anyone in the community not just a potential partner. I'd like to make sure I have the right precautions and stranger danger alert system in place first. 

How do you know you trust someone enough to meet for real? 

[Capri]

Maybe I should've put this in the safety first section

[LunaLilac]

Telling someone you know and trust where you're going and how to contact there just in case, if you intend to meet someone is a good first step.

[Gentleman_Daddy]

• Meet them in  a public place.
• Arrange to keep someone you trust updated as things progress.
• If possible meet them some where you are familair with.
• If things dont check out or feel right, dont be afriad to say "thanks but see ya".

[babydollmira]

I’d be in the same boat as you, but I think general be aware of your surroundings, being careful of where you meet and what you say information wise!

[DaddyJPC3]

a public place, not just that but a place with people, maybe a park on a weekend for a walk. You could have a friend that is also maybe having a day at the park by coincidence and they are just so happening to be watching your back too. Like others have said if something seems off or the vibe is off then dont be afraid to be off.

[BabyBrattyKittyKatty]

Keep an eye on your beverages and don't leave them unattended! 

If you have time learn and practice some basic self defense moves? It's hard to take the time, at least for me, but good thing to have!

[DaddyJPC3]

no kidding, BabyBrattyKittyKatty is spittin' facts. Drinks with lids! Kick in sensitive areas! take quick notes of license plates? Obvs if theyre not where theyre supposed to be from or coming from, like out of state or from somewhere unexpected. If they object to anything that makes you feel safe would be another! I might be a Daddy but I am also an actual dad so I guess this subject is highlighted for me

[hunni3bunni3]

I use an app called life360 with my family and friends and I really like it. You can check in, add locations, send alerts for help, and a bunch of other things. It makes me feel safe and I don't have to worry about forgetting to tell people where I am.

It takes a while for me to feel ready to meet someone. There are usually a few vetting questions I ask and I prefer to do a few calls/video calls before discussing the possibility of meeting to make sure they're who they say they are. If I have doubts, I know I'm not ready to meet someone.

[shadowrider]

Just a couple things to think about when you get where you are meeting.

• Get someone to take a picture of you together then send it to a friend if you came alone. 
• If you choose a bar or restaurant remember if you are scared or in trouble order an "Angel Shot". By now I think most places should know what that is and it should let the staff know you need help.
• If you chose a bar or restaurant keep an eye on your drink at all times. If you go to the restroom get a fresh drink when you come back. You can act like there's a bug in yours if you need to. Better safe than drugged.

Also I recommend a name brand pepper spray over hand to hand combat. Be mindful of fans if indoors or breeze direction if outdoors. You don't want to release it into the wind and spray yourself. Spray then run.

[LeftyGuitar]

I agree with what everyone else has said. As for meeting in a public place, I'd suggest the Mall. The Mall will have other people around. Also, one thing I haven't noticed from other people in the thread is that if you are getting weird or bad vibes from the person you are talking too online, its best to stop talking them right away. You could also bring a friend along when you meet someone, the first time meeting someone is just hanging out, not a date, at least in most cases.