|
1. Start slow
Watch out for someone who seems too good to be true. Begin by communicating solely via Messenger Services, email or the dating sites own method of contact. Watch for odd behaviour such as inconsistent personal information or caginess. If anything makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your own safety and protection.
2. Keep you anonymity
In the early stages of correspondence do not include your last name, email address, home address, phone number, place of work or any other identifying information.
3. Exercise caution and common sense
Careful, thoughtful decisions generally yield better dating results. Potential Partners must earn your trust gradually, through consistently honourable behaviour. Take as long as you require to test for a trustworthy person.
4. Request a photo
A photo will give you a good idea of the person`s appearance, which can help with your initial gut feeling. Several images in different settings give greater credibility to your potential date. If no photos are forthcoming consider your date has something to hide.
5. Chat on the phone
A phone call can reveal much about a person`s communication and social skills. Consider your security and only reveal your own phone number when you feel completely comfortable. Number withholding services are available.
6. Meet when YOU are ready
The beauty of meeting and relating online is that you can collect information gradually, later choosing whether to pursue the relationship in the offline world. You are never obligated to meet anyone, regardless of your level of online intimacy. If you do decide to meet ensure that it is in a safe place. Always tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return. Make your own way to the location and try to make is a busy place with lots of other people.
7. Getting yourself out of a jam
Never do anything you feel unsure about or are pressured into. If you are in any way afraid of your date, use your best judgment to diffuse the situation and get out of there. Excuse yourself long enough to call a friend for advice, ask someone else on the scene for help or slip out the back door to get away. If you feel you are in danger, call the police; it`s always better to be safe than sorry. Never worry or feel embarrassed about your behaviour; your safety is much more important than one person`s opinion of you.
If you follow these simple rules and exercise caution and sound judgement then you should have a happy dating experience.
|