Online dating is wildly popular, and it's really no wonder. This can be an easy and convenient way to meet new people who share your goals and interests. There are risks, however, and precautions must be taken when dealing with people you don't know. Certain individuals can and will corrupt and misuse online dating services.
Here are some points to consider before jumping in to the Internet dating pool:
Take it Slow. Move forward with caution. Be on the lookout for odd or inconsistent behavior. If it doesn't feel right, DON'T do it.
Keep it Personal. Do not share your personal data with anyone you don't know and completely trust. This type of data includes your personal email or web address, your home address, phone numbers, place of business and anything else that will enable a shady user to identify you in the "real" world. Guarding your anonymity is the only way to protect your safety and security.
Be Sensible. Use common sense at every stage of the online dating game. From the minute you post your profile, to the time you decide whether to meet a new friend in person, always use your head. Every potential date must earn your trust with honest and honorable behavior.
Ask For a Photo. There is nothing shallow about insisting on a photograph of your potential date. A recent picture will allow you to be a better judge of his or her personality. If you get a gut feeling from the photo, either positively or negatively, you can act accordingly.
Make the Call. After you've established a certain rapport or intimacy with your online friend, you may decide to take the relationship to the next level. But before making plans to meet in person, be sure to get together a few times over the telephone. Having a phone conversation keeps you secure and anonymous, but reveals more clues about the person's social and communication skills.
Public Places. No matter how close you become in your online relationship, you are never obligated to meet in person. However, if you decide to take it to that level, be smart about it. Arrange to meet in a public and mutually convenient place. Do not provide your home address or telephone number. Don't meet at his or her house. Tell someone that you know and trust where you will be. If possible, leave your online date's contact number with your trusted friend.
Travel Carefully. If you are traveling to meet your date in another area, be sure to make your own car and hotel room arrangements. Do not tell your date where you will be staying, and never let him or her make the arrangements for you.
Make an Escape Plan. Trust your instincts and never do anything you're unsure about. Be able to distinguish between a few nervous butterflies, and your instincts telling you "no way". If you feel afraid of your date in any way, you must be able to safely diffuse the situation and leave as soon as possible. Never mind the other person's opinion of you. Your safety always comes first.
Warning Flags. Know the signs of an unstable personality. Once you've met in person, look for displays of anger, intense frustration, controlling behavior or attempts to find your personal information. End the communication if your date shows hints or signs of unacceptable behavior, and find a new online friend.
Be watchful of the following signs that could spell danger:
* Refuses to introduce you to friends, family members or professional associates.
* Hesitates or fails to provide direct responses to your direct questions.
* Provides inconsistent information about personal details like appearance, age, marital status, interests or profession.
* Will not make or accept your phone calls, even after establishing an ongoing online intimacy.
* Appears in person to be altogether different from his or her online personality.
Internet dating can be a fun and convenient way to meet new people. You'll find that most men and women using online dating services are kind, interesting and honest people, just like you, looking to meet someone with similar interests. Be sensible and cautious as you explore the world of online dating, and your experience can be fun and rewarding.
Additional Articles From -
Home |
Society |
Dating
