Online dating is no longer the cheesy and taboo method of dating that is reserved for the socially inept, shy or not so attractive people of the world. These services are now commonly being used by everyday people including newly divorced, perpetually single and even busy professionals. While using an online dating service may be great fun, it can be dangerous if you do not take precautions. Here are a few basic guidelines that you should follow to keep your online dating life fun and safe.
Keep Your Profile Generic
While you want to answer all of the queries on the questionnaire honestly, do not give too much info. It is fine to state the city and state that you live in but do not get any more specific than that. Do not say the name of the company that you work for or any other personal info like that. When choosing a profile picture, be modest, you don’t want to show off all of your goods.
You also want to keep it honest when it comes to your dating profile. Don’t post the much thinner picture of yourself from 10 years ago without posting a current picture of yourself. Be honest about what you are looking for as well.
Use the Services Provided
When you connect with someone, use the features offered by the site such as the inbox or chat features. This allows you to maintain some anonymity. If you talk to someone only to find that he is a jerk, you can usually use a block feature or something like that. Don’t be so quick to share your personal email, cell phone number or home phone number because a person can easily track you through those methods. Share different means of communication gradually, don’t give it all up at once.
Even if the person that you connect with seems like your dream come true, you have to remember that is usually how trouble starts. If the other person pressures you for your information, remain cautious until you feel totally comfortable with divulging more information. Start with your email address and then work gradually to giving out your cell phone number. Make sure that you also know as much about them as they do about you.
Meet in a Public Place
When you decide to meet up with a date for the first time, make sure you meet in a public place. The first meeting does not have to be in an intimate setting. Try making a lunch date or maybe even meeting for an afternoon cup of coffee. Don’t let him come pick you up at your home; it is far too early for that. The first meeting may be a bit awkward and meeting in a well-lit public place can definitely take the edge off. Make sure you let a friend or family member know where you are going and whom you are going to meet.
As a rule of thumb, you should keep all meetings during the day when at all possible. Make sure that you go to places where there is a server or some other staff that will see you both. A dark bar is not the ideal. Before you go out on your date, make sure that you let a close friend know where you are going and whom you are going with. Take plenty of pictures of the both of you. Make sure that you send these pictures to your friends. As you are doing this, let your date know what you are doing. A predator is less likely to strike when there is so much going on.
Online dating can be a lot of fun. Make sure that you follow these safety measures as well as the ones set forth on the dating site that you are using. Be safe and have a great time.
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