If you read any of the general advice rules about safety in online dating, a few common things will always turn up. One is that you should always meet in a public place (which should be obvious, I'd hope). Another is that you should avoid drinking on the first date. But despite the fact that it's always on the list, my guess is that a majority of people do consume alcohol on that first date.

There are some good reasons not to drink on the first date. There's the general safety factor; if you get plastered, you might not make it home. There's the basic idea that drinking limits inhibitions and may result in going further sexually on this date that you'd planned. And there's the fact that you get to know people better when you're both being yourselves, not your drunk selves.

However, there are some good reasons for drinking on a first date as well. First of all, it's a social activity that people frequently do together. Most people know where the bars in their town are located and feel comfortable meeting there for a date. Secondly, if you're a social drinker, you might want to know from the get-go that you're compatible in this area. And there's also the fact that it does reduce some of the shyness of that first date conversation.

What makes sense is to use common sense when drinking on a first date. Don't get wasted. Don't leave your drink unattended. Plan to have someone pick you up from the date to make sure that you get home safely. If you're used to dating and drinking going hand-in-hand, you can follow some basic rules to make sure that you do it safely.

Question of the Day: What's your rule about drinking on a first date?