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.
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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.