Thanks to the internet, people can now walk into a first date armed with a full dossier on their potential new love interest.
The problem with that approach is it’s extremely creepy.
At the same time, no one should enter a first date with a blank slate. For safety’s sake, it’s always a good idea to do some research beforehand, especially if you’re a woman: “The unfortunate reality is that people who identify as women are at more risk of physical harm when meeting someone for a date,” observed relationship coach Rachel Kahoopii. “This is even more true for folks who are transgender.”
How much research on your date is too much, though? Sure, we want — and deserve — to be safe when meeting someone new. But how do we walk this fine line of protecting ourselves while also allowing a relationship to grow organically?
Most dating and relationship experts agree that the “less is more” tactic is the way to go here. Conduct enough research so that you feel safe attending the first date, but don’t go too far down the rabbit hole investigating your date’s past. That’s a one-way ticket to awkwardsville.
