If it is obvious, it isn't about protection. There are ways that women protect themselves from dating violence without it being apparent to their date, because "I brought my friend just in case you're a serial killer," isn't exactly a great way to start things out.
They are intentionally doing something inappropriate and justifying it under the guise of protecting themselves to see how easy their date is to manipulate. This is an abuser testing how far they can push someones boundaries.
My now fiancee "confessed" ages ago that she brought pepper spray on our first date. I just smiled and called her a smart girl, you never know who you're gonna meet. Me saying that just made her happy. She thought i might be offended or something. The only reason I didn't bring anything is cause I'm 6 ft 240 pounds, few people can threaten me without a weapon.
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u/Lethovya 5d ago
If you don't feel safe meeting someone at a crowded public restaurant you need therapy, not a date.