Meeting a Long-Distance Match for the First Time
6 min read · 中文版
In Canada, the person you like may live in another city or even another province. Meeting someone from another city for the first time adds travel, accommodation and safety to think about. Planning ahead lets you focus on each other when you meet.
What to confirm before you meet
Have at least a few video calls to confirm their looks and manner match their profile, and make sure you've talked about relationship goals and both want to get to know each other seriously.
If they bring up borrowing money, investing or asking you to pay for something before you meet, stop straight away: it's a common scam sign. See our romance-scam guide.
Who travels, and where to stay
For the first meeting, one of you can visit the other's city, or you can meet somewhere in between. Whoever travels books their own accommodation; don't stay at the other person's home.
Each of you covers your own travel and lodging, or agree beforehand how to share it, so money doesn't become awkward once you meet.
Planning a safe visit
Plan the first meeting in daytime, somewhere public: a café, a restaurant, a sight to see. Keep some time to yourself; you don't have to spend the whole trip together.
Tell a friend your plans, where you're staying and who you're meeting; keep your phone charged, handle your own transport, and know you can leave at any time.
After you meet
Meeting in person can feel different from chatting online; that's normal. Talk honestly about how it felt before deciding what's next.
If you decide to continue, our guide to long-distance relationships in Canada can help.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stay at their place the first time?
We'd advise against it. Book your own hotel or rental for the first meeting; it keeps your own space and is safer.
Who pays for the trip?
Usually whoever travels covers their own travel and accommodation, or you agree beforehand how to share it. Never send them money before you meet.
They're not what I imagined. What now?
That's common. Talk about it honestly; if it isn't right, say so kindly and finish the trip as planned.
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