Have a date with someone new? Going out for a nighttime jog? Live alone?

Has everyone heard of Kitestring? It’s a fantastic FREE service my bestie and I use when we go out at night or with a new man we met online (well, not her, she’s engaged now!). The website has step-by-step instructions, but in a nutshell, “Kitestring checks up on you when you’re out and alerts your friends if you don’t respond.” You set it up ahead of time with your name, phone number, 2 passwords, and your emergency contacts’ phone numbers. When you go out, you can text Kitestring on your assigned text line, or login to your computer to tell Kitestring how long you will be out. When you get back home, (login or) text your regular password to Kitestring and it will end your trip. If you do not check in, Kitestring will check in with you. If you do not respond, it sends your emergency contacts your personalized alert message. (Tip: Delete your password from your text history every time you use it so it’s not stored on your phone and nobody can check-in as you!)

It also has an added feature that if you are actually under duress, you can use your duress password and it will immediately alert your friends. (Horrible reality: I would make this password very clever. If you were actually in trouble, you wouldn’t want someone to see you typing “kidnapped” or “help” over your shoulder!)

Since we are on the topic, here are some best practice ideas to use when you are meeting a new man:

1.) WHO- Forward his name, phone number, and profile picture to your emergency contact(s) to have on file.

2.) WHEN- Text/call your emergency contact(s) to let them know you have a date and how long your expect to be. Text Kitestring when you head out.

3.) WHERE- ALWAYS meet in a safe, well-lit public place. Tell someone where you will be meeting him, and do not change locations once you get there. (Only change locations if you MUST and send a text to update your contact. And take your own car.)

4.) Do not get into his car or take a quick spin on his motorcycle. You’re smarter than that. You know WHY.

It’s a crazy world out there. If you have additional tips, please feel free to share them below. Stay safe, my loves!