So you finally gave in to your insistent friend, family member or colleague, and agreed to go out on that blind date. Or maybe all those advertisements finally convinced you to sign up with an online dating service and you've agreed to go out on your first date with someone you just realized you hardly know! The most important thing you can do to ensure a good time is to balance safety and fun while out on blind dates.

Since you may not know this person very well or at all for that matter, deciding what to do may seem difficult, if not impossible. When selecting an activity, keep in mind you should keep the date in a public area, which should be well lit, considered safe and have patrolling police officers in the vicinity. Keeping these safety tips in mind will, with any luck, give you some ideas. Perhaps dinner and a movie, bowling or a fair. Avoid intimate or private activities, such as cooking them dinner, renting movies or private strolls on the beach -- at least for the time-being!

Enjoy a meal, whether it is lunch or dinner in a well known and lively restaurant. If the weather is nice, have your meal outside, perhaps in a bistro setting. This may be a great balance of romance with a casual atmosphere, which may help to eliminate any stress. Selecting a bustling restaurant may also ensure safety in numbers.

Enjoy community activities, such as the local evening farmer's market or street fair. There are usually many different kinds of vendors selling food, clothing, knick-knacks and other items and sideshows to see, like plays, art and musical performances. This can be both a fun and interactive date, all the while staying in public view.

If your town is touristy or there is a neighboring tourist trap, act like an out-of-towner for the evening. There are many different kinds of novelty shops, restaurants and shows that may be available. Plus, it gives the two of you the chance to poke fun at all the gaudy souvenirs or have some delicious local food. Also, selecting a touristy location may be a safe choice, because many of these areas are brimming with police officers and other safety precautions.

Picking activities for blind dates takes some creative thought and common sense to keep it light-hearted and safe. Keeping the date in the eyes of the public may keep the date at a safe and comfortable level, plus it gives you and your date the opportunity to talk and to get to know each other (which is usually missed when people decide to do the usual dinner and a movie date). Just remember that whatever the activity you and your date decide upon, keep yourself protected and be sure you enjoy yourself.