Some people prefer traditional dating, but others may prefer niche dating and relationships, for example, within the BDSM community. Safety is the most important thing in any dating scenario. All involved should respect each other and each others wishes/boundaries. That’s why I’m writing this blog post about staying safe when partaking in niche dating.
Niche dating and staying safe online
When signing up to websites, try not to be too easily identifiable. You can also alter your settings or preferences, if you are looking for a particular kind of relationship. Some people may be seeking mistress dating, or submissive and dominant relationships, and there are niche websites where these relationships can be sought out, such as subs-and-doms.com.
Awareness when meeting and staying safe
When faced with the scenario of meeting someone/people for the first time, go to a crowded location/somewhere neutral. Ensure someone you trust knows where you are and keep them informed as often as you can. Don’t arrange for someone to pick you up from your home, as you don’t know them yet and you can keep yourself safe by not letting them know your home address until you feel you know them more.
Communication
Communication is obviously a very important part of any dating scenario or relationship, but it’s particularly important in the more niche dating scenarios. Communicating and knowing each others boundaries is extremely important, such as knowing where the line is drawn and that no means no. It’s vital that you can listen and show respect to each other. Always take your time and get to know each other, but also relax in each others company.
Listen to your gut instinct
If you get an odd feeling or your gut instinct is trying to tell you something, listen to that feeling. It’s not rude if you decide you no longer want to talk with/meet/see someone, as long as you do communicate that you are not interested – that’s the polite thing to do. Don’t stay if you do feel uncomfortable, you have every right to leave or stop talking to someone (if you haven’t yet met them). You are under no obligation to meet someone. If you feel uncomfortable or under any sort of pressure, this should definitely be a warning sign to remove them (and possibly block them if they persist).
Trust and safe words
A helpful suggestion I think is to use safe words which you both agree them and for what situations exactly they should be used. Having that trust with each other is extremely important because it will allow those involved to relax, without the anxiety or fear that something bad is going to happen and there will be no uncertainty of what to do when these types of situations or problems arise.
Always be clear and honest with what you want from niche dating experiences or niche relationships. Your safety is the most important thing and you should also be able to have fun. What are your tips and advice for dating safely?
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