Now to tackle the first time you meet, talk or write to your date. You need to think about this stage.

What are your rules going to be? Will you meet up with…

all of them?
only someone who ticks all the boxes?
Someone if they sound or look right?

These rules sound silly, but it’s important to be firm on them as a potential date can be very persuasive! Know your own mind first before you get in touch with them.

Write your rules down.

THE FIRST DATE

Then there’s arranging to meet up. We all know the sensible safety advice: make sure it’s busy and your friends know where you are. Make sure it’s somewhere you can easily get home from alone – you’re not relying on them giving you a lift.

Think of some venues you could arrange to meet in, or films etc you could see

Think about when you could meet

Think about the details you’re prepared to reveal before you’ve even met.

What will you give as contact details?
What will you say about where you live (don’t give your address yet)
What will you say about your children? Your life and your past?

Where are you going to draw the line in terms of what you’ll divulge in your first contacts? Stick to it and know your boundaries!