Start with one borough
New York is not one practical search area. Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island involve different routes, travel times and expectations.
Manhattan
Use a neighbourhood rather than the entire borough. Midtown, the Upper West Side and the East Village are not interchangeable when you are making a late plan.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is large enough to need its own radius. Check the train route between neighbourhoods before agreeing that you are close.
Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island
Name the neighbourhood and ask where the other person will be. A city-wide distance can also pull in New Jersey and Long Island, which may not fit the plan.
Be specific before you meet
- List your borough and neighbourhood.
- Say whether you are local, commuting or visiting.
- Check recent activity and read the written profile.
- Confirm who can travel and whether either person can host.
- Inspect the nearby selection before paying for more access.
Late-night distance is different
Subway service changes overnight and a short daytime trip can become a long one. Meet in a busy public place, check the route home and keep your own transportation money available.
Keep your worlds separate
Use a nickname and separate email. Avoid sharing an employer, apartment building, surname or daily route during the first conversation.
Before meeting
- Confirm that everyone is 18 or older.
- Meet publicly before going anywhere private.
- Tell someone the location and expected time home.
- Use protection and keep control of your transportation.
- Leave if the person or plan differs from what was agreed.