Phoenix is a great place to live if you’re an LGBT person—we have a vibrant queer community, some of the best LGBT nightlife in the country, and access to some of the best medical care in the world. But there is always room for improvement, and dating is one of our most vulnerable areas. Many people come to Phoenix for the same reason many visit Atlanta, New Orleans, or even San Diego: to find a partner. If you are one of them, you’ll want to read the following; it will help you avoid the major pitfalls that can destroy even the most promising relationships.

We all want to find love and make new friends. That said, there are some finer points you shouldn’t ignore if you want to find the love of your life without any drama. Phoenix is a great place to meet someone. With the weather, attractions, and culture as a backdrop, there’s a lot to like. On the other hand, we can’t forget about the dangers of dating that we might encounter, and we all know that some of those dangers are real and persistent.

But no worries, in Phoenix, you should be aware of the fact that the police are likely to be more vigilant with you than in other cities. You can call or text for help in an emergency, but if you are involved in a romantic situation, it is best to stay focused on what you are doing. That means call 911 in an emergency, not for casual conversation.