These guidelines apply to all daters
Maclynn Dating Safety Guide
Confidence. Connection. Peace of Mind.
At Maclynn, we believe dating should be intentional, empowering, and respectful. This guide is written for everyone navigating modern dating, whether you’re meeting through Maclynn, using apps, or being set up by friends. However, there are clear advantages to working with a matchmaker, and we have also included a section specifically for Maclynn members.
Human behaviour can be unpredictable – even with vetting – so these guidelines support you in making thoughtful, informed choices, and by staying in control of your personal safety, you will feel more empowered with each dating encounter.
Before the Date: Prepare with Intention
Plan your journey
Travel independently to and from the venue. Use reputable transport and avoid areas where you feel unfamiliar or unsafe.
Inform someone you trust
Tell a friend or family member where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and when you expect to return. Consider sharing your live location during the date.
Choose a public setting
Opt for well-lit, busy venues – cafés, restaurants, cultural spaces. Avoid meeting at someone’s home on a first date or until mutual trust is established.
Long-distance first meetings
If travel and an overnight stay are involved, book separate hotel rooms for your first in-person meeting. Keep logistics simple and maintain your independence.
Have an exit strategy
Pre-arrange transport and consider a scheduled check-in from a friend.
Trust your instincts
If something doesn’t feel right – before or during the date – it’s okay to pause, leave, or say no. You never need to justify your boundaries.
During the Date: Stay Present and Aware
Set and respect boundaries
Communicate your boundaries clearly and honour your date’s in return.
Drink mindfully
Know your limits and never leave your drink unattended.
Protect your privacy
Avoid sharing your home address, workplace details, or financial information until trust has developed over time.
After the Date: Reflect and Act
Check in
Let your trusted contact know you’re home safely.
Reflect
Were you comfortable and respected? If anything felt off, make space to process it.
End communication if needed
If someone behaves inappropriately or makes you feel unsafe, block and disengage.
Pressure to meet in private or secluded places
Requests for money or personal favours
Inconsistent stories or evasive responses
Controlling, manipulative, or aggressive language and reluctance to respect boundaries or consent
Advice on Use of Digital Dating Platforms
If you are using dating apps, dating websites or even social media as a means of finding a partner, choose platforms with robust safety protocols – verified profiles, identity checks, and responsive support. Be mindful that some digital environments are vulnerable to scams, misrepresentation, and AI-generated deception. Even the savviest daters can be caught off guard.
These Guidelines are Specific to Maclynn Members
Keep your matchmaker in the loop
Share your date plans (location, time, who you’re meeting). You can also share live location details with a trusted contact.
Ask for first-date venue guidance
We’re happy to suggest well-suited public venues aligned with your comfort and preferences.
Long-distance logistics
If you’re travelling to meet in person for the first time, we strongly recommend booking separate hotel rooms. Your matchmaker can help sense-check plans and support you in pacing the connection thoughtfully.
Use us as a sounding board
If anything feels “off” pre-date or afterward, speak with your matchmaker. We’ll help you evaluate concerns, set boundaries, and decide next steps.
Close the loop after each date
Your feedback refines future introductions: what worked, what didn’t, and how you felt.
Reporting concerns
If you experience inappropriate behaviour, tell us promptly. We’ll review and take proportionate action in line with our membership rules.
Maclynn’s Safeguarding Standards
Every Maclynn client, whether a Private or Open Member, is personally interviewed by a trained matchmaker. In most cases, we also verify ID, including confirmation of name and date of birth. However, ID verification and profile building do not guarantee appropriate behaviour or the accuracy of disclosures. Introductions are made in good faith based on information provided to us.
We rely on mutual honesty and encourage open dialogue with your matchmaker throughout your journey.
If concerns arise, we take them seriously and may pause, suspend, or remove individuals who breach our rules or compromise member safety.
Working with a reputable, human-led matchmaking service like Maclynn means you have a team advocating for your emotional wellbeing and safety at every step.
Your Wellbeing is Our Priority
Meaningful relationships rest on mutual trust, respect, and emotional intelligence. At Maclynn, we’re proud to host a community of intentional daters who value integrity and genuine connection.
Whether you’re a client or simply seeking guidance, we hope this guide helps you date with confidence, clarity, and care. If you ever need support, advice, or a listening ear—we’re here.
