It’s a Friday night, you’re chatting on a dating site and your suitor would like to meet you. What research should you do before meeting him?

Ladies, what to do before meeting a suitor?

Dating – Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Meeting someone new is exciting, but it’s important to take a few precautions before embarking on a new encounter.

Today, it’s easier than ever to get information about a person before a first meeting.

Doing a few basic checks can not only give you a better idea of who’s behind your next date, but also help you start interesting conversations based on what you’ve discovered.

Information is your best ally: by knowing who you’re dealing with, you can detect warning signs that could indicate suspicious or dishonest behavior.

Don’t let the excitement of the meeting blind you; take the time to inform yourself and ensure your safety.

By informing yourself in advance, you can move forward in your relationship with greater confidence. Here are a few simple steps to ensure that your next encounter is not only enjoyable, but also safe.

A Google search is a crucial first step in obtaining basic information about a person.

  • Full name: Type the person’s full name in quotation marks for more precise results. For example: “John Smith”.
  • Name variations: Try different name variations, including nicknames or different spellings.
  • Combined with other keywords: Add additional keywords to refine results. For example: “Jean Dupont Montreal” or “Jean Dupont Videotron”.

Social Networks

Check out his Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and other social network profiles to see what information is publicly available. Notice any inconsistencies or other red flags.

  • Facebook: Search for information on photos, posts, mutual friends and groups he belongs to.
  • LinkedIn: Check work history, recommendations and connections.
  • Instagram: Take a look at photos shared, places frequented, and tags.
  • Twitter (X): Browse tweets to get an idea of opinions, interests and interactions.
  • Using image search engines: A reverse image search can help you check whether photos supplied by someone are genuine. Reverse image search is a technique that allows you to download an image and search for where it appears elsewhere on the web. For example:

Google ImagesUpload a photo and use the reverse image search option. Google will analyze the image and find matches on the Internet, allowing you to see if the photo has been used on other websites.

TinEyeAnother reverse image search platform that can find matches on the Internet. You can upload a photo to TinEye and it will search for where that image has been published online.

Criminal record check

Online services that allow you to check a person’s background. Some charge a fee, but they can provide invaluable information on a person’s criminal past, civil disputes, etc.

The Société Québécoise d’information juridique provides some free files.

Validate Common Friends

If you have friends in common with the person, ask for their opinions. They can provide valuable information about the person’s character and reputation. By looking mainly at the Facebook account you can see if you have any mutual friends.

Other online resources

There are several online resources specific to Quebec for checking a person’s background:

Blogs and Personal Sites

Blogs and personal websites can provide an insight into a person’s thoughts and experiences.

  • Direct search: Search for the person’s name with keywords such as “blog” or “personal website”.
  • Blogging platforms: Check out platforms like WordPress, Blogger, and Medium for self-penned articles.

After the meeting

Trust your instincts

We can’t say it enough: your instinct is a powerful tool. If something feels strange or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to end the encounter.

You don’t have to justify yourself. Your safety comes first.

Once you’ve taken the necessary precautions and successfully completed your checks, you’re ready for your meeting.

If the meeting goes well, congratulations!

Continue to listen to your instincts and observe the other person’s behaviour. After a successful first meeting, take time to reflect on your impressions and what you’ve learned. If you feel a positive connection and everything seems aligned, continue the relationship by maintaining open and honest communication.

Remember that every step is important in building a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Your safety and well-being must always be your top priority. Enjoy these moments and move forward with confidence!