safety Meeting Advise

 Meeting new people is interesting and exciting, but you should always be careful when meeting a person you don’t know. Use your most extensive judgment and put your safety first, whether you are chatting or meeting in person. While you can’t control the acts of others, there are things you can do to support you stay safe.

 Online Safety

✓ Never Send Money or Share Financial Information

✓ Protect Your Personal Information

Never share personal and financial information with people you don’t know. 

✓ Stay on the Platform

Keep conversations on the WellnessParrot platform while you’re getting to know someone. 

✓ Be Cautious of Long Distance and Overseas Relationships

Watch out for scammers who claim to be from your country but stuck somewhere else, especially if they ask for financial help to return home. Be cautious of anyone who will not meet in person or talk on a phone/video call—they may not be who they say they are. It’s a red flag if someone avoids your questions or pushes for a serious relationship without meeting or getting to know you first. 

✓ Report All Suspicious Behavior

When someone’s crossed the line, and when they do, we need to know about it. Report anyone that violates our terms. Here are some examples of violations: 

• Requests for money or donations
• Underage users
• Harassment, threats, and offensive messages 
• Inappropriate or harmful behavior during or after meeting in person 
• False profiles
• Spam including links to commercial websites or attempts to sell products or services

You can report any concerns about suspicious behavior from any profile page.

Meeting in Person

✓ Don’t Hurry 

We strongly suggest a video call, take your time, and get to know the other person before meeting. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to screen for any red flags.

✓ Meet in Public and Stay in Public

Meet for the first few times in a populated, public place — never at your home, your date’s home, or any other private location. If your date pressures you to go to a private location, end the date and report us.

✓ Tell Friends and Family About Your Plans

Tell a friend or family member of your plans, including when and where you’re going. Have your cell phone charged and with you at all times.

✓ Be in Control of Your Transportation 

We want you to be in control of how you get to and from your date so that you can leave whenever you want. If you’re driving yourself, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan such as a ride-share app or a friend to pick you up.

✓ Know Your Limits 

Be aware of the effects of drugs or alcohol on you specifically — they can impair your judgment and your alertness. If your date tries to pressure you to use drugs or drink more than you’re comfortable with, hold your ground and end the date. 

✓ Don’t Leave Drinks or Personal Items Unattended

Know where your drink comes from and know where it is at all times — only accept drinks poured or served directly from the bartender or server. Many substances that are slipped into drinks to facilitate sexual assault are odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Also, keep your phone, purse, wallet, and anything containing personal information on you at all times. 

✓ If You Feel Uncomfortable, Leave

It’s okay to end the date early if you’re feeling uncomfortable. In fact, it’s encouraged. And if your instincts are telling you something is off or you feel unsafe, ask the bartender or server for help. 

Sexual Health & Consent

✓ Protect Yourself

When used correctly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and passing on STI’s like HIV. But, be aware of STIs like herpes or HPV that can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact. The risk of contracting some STIs can be reduced through vaccination. 

✓ Know Your Status

Not all STIs show symptoms, and you don’t want to be in the dark about your status. Stay on top of your health and prevent the spread of STIs by getting tested regularly. Here’s where you can  find a clinic near you (US only). 

✓ Talk About It

Communication is everything: Before you get physically intimate with a partner, talk about sexual health and STI testing. And be aware — in some places, it’s actually a crime to knowingly pass on an STI. Need help starting the conversation? Here are some tips.

✓ Consent

All sexual activity must start with consent and should include ongoing check-ins with your partner. Verbal communication can help you and your partner ensure that you respect each other’s boundaries. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and sex is never owed to anyone. Do not proceed if your partner seems uncomfortable or unsure, or if your partner is unable to consent due to the effects of drugs or alcohol. Read more about it here. 

 Resources for Help, Support, or Advice

Remember — even if you follow these tips, no method of risk reduction is perfect. If you have a negative experience, please know that it is not your fault and help is available. Report any incidents here, and consider reaching out to one of the resources below. If you feel you are in immediate danger or need emergency assistance, call 911 (U.S. or Canada) or your local law enforcement agency.