My First Muzz Experience - A Cautionary Meeting Salaam

25F. (Bear with me if this is a bit scattered!) Salaam. I’ve kept a very low profile most of my life. I’ve never really had male friends and barely spoke with men in person. My parents aren’t arranging anything for me and being unmarried is really stressful. I’m also living abroad away from family, which makes it harder. Out of a moment of hopelessness I decided to try an app. I got hundreds of matches, and very quickly it felt like so many of the men had odd or questionable intentions. I matched with one who seemed somewhat sincere because he didn’t press me to meet right away. He asked once and I said no, and he didn’t push me, which felt like a good sign. He mentioned he was travelling soon and I was leaving soon too, and in a weak moment I agreed to meet him just once. This was the first time in my life I met a man alone, so I was really unsure of what to do. I told him I’m shy and insecure. We walked to an area I’d never been to before, and it ended up being quite isolated. Then he said something that scared me - that since he was leaving soon he wanted to meet late before he left. He was leaving the next morning. I didn’t know what he meant and that frightened me; I suddenly realised I was in a remote place with a man I didn’t know. He noticed I was upset and I think he regretted how he’d phrased it. (Later he denied any wrongdoing.) We started heading back toward people. I get very anxious if I don’t say how I feel, so I told him how hurt and upset I was, how even if he wasn’t serious he should respect those who are. I nearly cried. After that he realised he’d upset me. He apologised and became protective and respectful, though he still denied any inappropriate intention. At one point he even said, “God loves you,” and warned me to be careful - to wear niqab and gloves, not to trust men because some will use and hurt women. He told me if he were serious we could marry, but I refused. He offered to help find someone suitable or suggest better apps. He walked me to the metro and behaved respectfully after that - standing on the outer side, pointing out hazards, and advising that a serious man will speak to family rather than meeting like this. He told me not to share my vulnerabilities with people who would mock me, and we both prayed and he apologised again. Takeaway: trust your instincts, avoid isolated meetups with strangers, and insist on family involvement if a man is sincere. And salam - be safe out there.