Meeting new people in a social setting like a bar can be a fun and exciting experience. However, when someone you’ve just met offers to take you home, either platonically or for sex, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and consider whether the person is trustworthy.

Alcohol can impair your judgment and decision-making abilities. Before accepting an invitation to go home with someone, assess your level of intoxication and ensure you’re in a clear enough state of mind to make a responsible decision. If you’re intoxicated, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not go home with a stranger.

Your gut feeling can provide valuable insight into whether someone is trustworthy. If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts and prioritize your safety.

Pay attention to how the person behaves towards you and others in the bar. Are they respectful and polite, or do they exhibit aggressive, manipulative, or overly persistent behavior? Someone who exhibits negative behaviors may not be a trustworthy individual.

Engage in conversation with the person and gather information about them. While it’s important to remember that people can be deceptive, asking questions about their background, interests, and intentions can help you gauge their trustworthiness.

If you have friends with you at the bar, consult them about their impressions of the person. Sometimes, an outside perspective can provide valuable insight that you might have missed.

In the age of social media, it’s relatively easy to find mutual connections. If you have the opportunity, check your social media networks to see if you have any mutual friends. This can help you confirm the person’s identity and potentially gather more information about their character.

If you decide to go home with the person, inform a trusted friend or family member of your plans, including the person’s name and contact information if possible. Establish a check-in time and a code word to signal if you need help.

Maintaining control over your transportation is crucial in ensuring your safety. Use your own vehicle or a rideshare service to get to the person’s home. This way, you have control over when you can leave and won’t be dependent on your date for a ride home.

Before going home with someone, have a conversation about your expectations and boundaries. Make it clear what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not willing to engage in. A trustworthy person will respect your boundaries and communicate their own.

Deciding to go home with someone you’ve met in a bar requires careful consideration and a focus on your safety. Your safety and comfort should always come first.