Q: I have been ‘chatting’ to a guy online now for a few weeks and he wants to meet up in real life. I would really like to meet up too as he seems really nice but I am a bit uneasy about meeting someone new for the first time. Could you please give me some practical advice on arranging our first ‘date’? Thanks.

A: Meeting someone new for the first time can be very daunting in any situation, especially in today’s world when the papers seem to be full of crime and other horror stories. You are right to feel anxious as people can be whoever they want to be when they are ‘online’ and all may not be as it seems, for these reasons while you are chatting online never give out your telephone number, last name or address until you know who you are chatting to. When YOU feel ready to meet this man the please stick to the following safety tips, which are applicable for any first date, and will hopefully make you feel a bit less nervous and a bit more secure;

1. Always tell someone where you are going and who you are going to meet.

2. Always meet in a public place, like a bar or restaurant.

3. Ideally take a friend (or two). They can always sit at the next table but will still be close at hand if needed. If this guy really cares about you he will not mind you bringing someone else along if it means he gets to meet you.

4. Never invite anyone to your own home or go to their home until you are very sure you can trust them.

5. If you do have to go alone arrange for a friend to pick you up at a pre-arranged time. If this is not possible get a friend to phone you at a pre-arranged time to check all is well.

6. Take a mobile phone with you. If you haven’t got your own borrow one. Make sure it is fully charged and you have plenty of credit and also make sure you have an “emergency fund” of money with you just in case.

I’m sorry if these tips seem a bit over the top, but you can never be too careful. Good luck with the relationship, and let me know how it goes!