Online dating can be a great way to meet people who share your interests, but as with any new venture, there can be risks.
To help ensure that your online dating experiences are happy ones, here are a few more tips to help you increase your online dating safety.
Take Time to Get to Know the Person
This online dating tip should be listed twice, in case you miss it the first time.
If you make a connection with someone online, it's tempting to want to meet right away, but give it enough time to be sure that person is genuine.
If the person you are corresponding with wishes to perpetuate a fantasy, it becomes harder to maintain that fantasy over time.
If you suspect that something is not quite right, keep asking questions and insisting on answers (and proof of those answers). You’ll either drive that person away or you will start to see the real person, which hopefully would be a very good thing.
Speak on the phone
Although older rules of etiquette advise women not to push the relationship by calling a man, a phone call can reveal much about a person's social skills.
If you decide to speak with someone on the phone, ask the person for his or her number. Use telephone-blocking techniques (check with your local phone company) so he or she can't get your number through caller ID. If the person is hesitant about provide a phone number, that should give you something to think about.
If you give out your number, use your cell phone until you know the person well enough (could be after several meetings) to provide your home number.
Meet in a public place
What if you think you have met "the one?" You chatted online and on the phone for great lengths of time and you both feel it might be going somewhere; what now?
If you met traditionally, at work or at a social gathering, for example, you already know how to proceed. But in this cyber forum you have only been meeting with your minds and the next step must be meeting in person!
If you decide to meet, choose a safe place, such as a restaurant during a busy time. Be sure to tell a friend where you're going and what time you plan to return. Give your friend the person's name and phone number.
Never arrange for someone to pick you up at your home or office. Take your own transportation. When the date is over, do not allow the person to follow you.
Don’t let this online dating safety advice scare you off
There are many honest, warm, and wonderful people out there, who are looking for friends and romantic partners. If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to find many nice people to choose from. Have fun!
Ideas to make your online dating experience safe
