We live in a culture that is liberated and hookups are progressively more engrained in popular culture. First date sex is a great idea, however, it might be wise to take steps that will keep you feeling safe should something happen. Hookup cultures breath a need for safety. So how do you navigate a hookup culture and keep it all safe at the same time? Here’s how to nail your first date.

Have you ever heard of the term, ‘safe call’? It has its roots in the kink realm and now is used in the dating world.

The idea behind it is to take precautionary steps before you go on a first date or hookup. Because you just don’t really know who you are meeting.

Here are the precautionary steps you take to minimise possible risks and to keep safe. The majority of people are genuine and just want to meet someone they can enjoy themselves with.

Let’s take a look at safe calls, how they work and how you can make them work to help keep you safe when you’re meeting new people.

1. Call your designated ‘safe call’ friend for the night.

The important point to remember here is to call your friend and not text. Why? Hearing your voice and tone will reassure your friend that you are safe. Leaving your friend any notion of suspicion and also allowing them to continue to enjoy their night too, or the very least relax.

2. What to say when you make that ‘safe call’

1 – Include information of your location.

2- Describe the person you are with – age, ethnicity, and if you have exchanged phone numbers include that too.

3- Send your their social media profile links, this is particularly clever because your friend can quickly do a cursory background check.

4 – Take a selfie so your friend has a record of what you are wearing and where you are. You could also ask your date to take a selfie with you too.

3. Why do you need ‘safe call’

Your safety is number one priority. To take measures to stay safe is inevitably a great idea to all involved. It’s unfortunate we need to worry but better safe than sorry. The majority of people are genuine and have no intentions of foul play. Therefore you should always meet somewhere public, meeting someone in public first isn’t just safer, it also gives you a better idea of who they are.

4. Who should be your safe call

A friend or family who cares for your safety and who is responsible. Someone who will check on you and if you were not to respond calls the police. In addition, there are apps out there that have been purposefully designed for hookups safety. bsafe and Emergensee are two examples. The app even has its own security team that will contact police and ensure you get help fast.

5. What should the nominated ‘safe caller’ do, when you do not contact them

This special friend will call the police when you fail to contact them.So set a reminder to call your friend so they stop worrying and unnecessarily call the police.

5. When you feel safe – have fun

Now relax, take the time to do what you both set out to do. Have fun and enjoy each others’ company.

Of course, the vast majority of people out there are actually decent honest folks, but clearly, it is still a good idea to take some basic steps to ensure your safety.

Probably the most important piece of advice anyone can give you is that you should trust your instinct.

Be safe, stay safe and have fun.

What strategies do you use? Share with the rest of us.