When meeting a person face to face for the first time you may feel anything from being nervous to just plain excited. No matter how ecstatic you are about going on your first date with a new person you have to always remember that this is a stranger. Even if you met on a well know dating site. Be on guard.

Take a look at these 12 tips on safety:

1. Plan on meeting him.
Never allow your date to pick you up at your home on the first encounter. He should not even know what your home address is. Chat online first and trade pictures.

2. Get together in a place where there are a lot of people.
Be sure that you meet him in a public place where there are people close by. It would not be a bad idea to make it a double date or to go with a group of people.

3. Go Halves on the Bill
Most men are taught that it is always polite to offer to pay for the bill. Men sometimes expect something in return. Going Dutch may prevent this. If you pay for half then you won’t feel like you “have to” return the favor so to speak.

4. Alcohol Impairs Judgment.
One of the most common threats to a person’s judgment, while on a date, is alcohol. Alcohol is known to make a person lose their inhibitions as well as their better judgment. Never lose sight of your drink and be sure to not get so intoxicated that you don’t know what you are doing. If possible limit yourself to one drink on your first date.

5. Drive yourself
It is best if you drive to the public place that your date takes place. You could even have a friend drop you off.

6. Do not presume that he is Safe.
Do not let your guard down on your first few days. Just because a man is a gentleman or religious does not mean he is harmless.

7. Don’t disclose your address
The second date should still be in a public place. Do not tell him where you live. See if he has any other friends on the dating site.

8. Stay away from isolated areas.
Keep In Mind - make sure that there are always people around and avoid isolated places like parks.

9. Don’t ignore you intuition.
If you have a gut feeling that something is not right, you are probably right. If from the moment you first meet him you don’t feel right, leave right away.

10. Tell your friends and family where you are going.
Leave a note on your fridge with where you are and who you are with. Send a text to your closest friend or family member with the location of your date and his name and number. It may even be good if you had someone call to check in.

11. Always Give your Cell Number.
It is easy for someone to find out where you live if you give them your home number.  

12. Stay Aware  
This date could go very well. No matter how much fun you are having it is best to be aware for the entire date. Keep your cell on vibrate and close by.

It is so important to be safe while dating. Keep in mind that this someone that you do not know. If you keep your environment safe and take the proper precautions, you will be creating a better experience for yourself.