It’s that time of year again! Festive plans, packed calendars, and maybe even a little hope for someone to cozy up with. At Coffee Meets Bagel, we know the holiday season can be exciting and overwhelming on its own – and adding dating into the mix takes it to a whole new level.  

But before you get swept away by the magic of winter temps and twinkly lights, we want to give you a quick refresher on staying safe. Because after all, feeling safe is key to creating experiences that feel authentic and real. 

So, whether you’re meeting a new bagel between holiday parties or looking for a serious relationship, here’s how to stay safe, grounded, and empowered while dating during the holidays.

Always meet someone new in public

Holiday vibes can make cozy, at-home dates sound tempting, especially when schedules are tight and the weather outside is frightful. But when you’re getting to know someone new, public meetups are still the best choice. 

Choose places that are:

• Well-lit and busy (Think coffee shops, markets, casual restaurants)
  
  

• Easy to leave on your own terms
  
  

• Familiar to you, especially if you’re already juggling travel stress

If someone pressures you to meet privately instead, trust your instincts and take that red flag for what it is. Moving at your own pace is not only okay – it’s encouraged!

And a bonus tip here: Share your date plans with someone you trust, like a friend or family member. That means where you’re going, when, and who you’re meeting. Yes, that means we give you full permission to screenshot their profile and share it in the group chat! You can even take it a step further and share your live location to be extra safe.  

Be mindful with alcohol

From festive cocktails to office Christmas parties, alcohol often shows up on holiday dates. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a drink, it’s important to stay mindful and be aware of your limits, especially when meeting someone new.

A few reminders:

• Pace yourself and keep an eye on your drink
  
  

• Don’t feel pressured to drink more than you want (or at all!)
  
  

• Have a plan for getting home safely, especially since rideshare apps are often busier or more expensive this time of year

Being clear-headed helps you stay in tune with your boundaries. And if you’re worried about alcohol coming into play and don’t want to risk it at all, try suggesting a casual coffee date instead!

Protect your boundaries

Holiday pressure to couple up, romantic movies, and year-end reflection can sometimes blur the lines. You might feel tempted to move faster than you normally would, or overlook things you’d usually question while you’re swept up in things. 

Try to keep a few things in mind: 

• Check in with yourself about what you actually want now and in the new year – before you get carried away with someone whose goals don’t align

  
  

• You might be attending a lot of family or work events, but you don’t have to bring someone into those parts of your life if you’re not ready
  
  

• Remember that a healthy connection won’t rush or guilt you

You don’t owe anyone more than what you’re actually ready for. The right person will respect your pace – and won’t show up unsolicited at your door with weird signs proclaiming their love. 

Don’t forget CMB’s safety features 

We’re committed to maintaining a safe and trusted dating app, not just during the holidays, but 356 days a year. That’s why we offer built-in tools to help you feel more secure while looking for a meaningful connection. 

How CMB keeps daters safe: 

• Profile Verification ensures you see real profiles, to build trust and authenticity
  
  

• An easy-to-use Hide and Report feature if someone makes you uncomfortable
  
  

• Clear Community Guidelines that reinforce respectful behavior and create the ideal environment for someone looking for a serious relationship 

If something doesn’t feel right, please don’t ever hesitate to reach out to our support team. Reporting helps us protect not just you, but the entire community. And don’t worry, it’s always anonymous! 

One last tip? Give yourself grace this season

Being single during the holidays isn’t always easy. Plans change. People travel. Emotions run high. If something doesn’t work out, or you decide to take a pause, that’s OK!

Dating safely is also about honoring your energy and protecting your well-being. And remember, we know the pressure to be in a real relationship right now is high – but connections don’t expire on December 31. You have all the time you need, so remember to be intentional. 

Happy holidays, and happy matching!