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Online dating offers people an unprecedented opportunity to find that special someone, or just to make some interesting friends. We recommend however that you follow these basic safety tips to minimize the possibility of a dating disaster happening to you.
- One of the safety benefits of online dating is the ability to take as long as you want getting to know a potential romantic partner, prior to providing any personal contact information. Please don't mention your full name, phone number or work or home location in your profile, or during initial email exchanges.
- Don't plan too big a date for your first meeting. Just get together for a cup of coffee during your lunch break. Leave yourself an out if the date is a disaster.
- Don't drink too much when you're getting acquainted with them. Alcohol is well-known for its ability to make a person lose their better judgment. It can also make someone seem much more interesting and attractive to you than they actually would be on a day-to-day sober basis.
- Meet in a public place. To be really safe, let someone know about the meeting, and ask them to contact you at a predetermined time to make sure you are safe. Don't forget to take your cell phone with you, so you can phone for help if you need it.
- When it comes to personal safety, your instincts that warn you about other people are almost always right. If someone seems too good to be true, or you get a "funny feeling" about a person with whom you are exchanging email, your instincts are cautioning you to consider moving on.
- Pay attention to your gut feelings. Maybe you can't put your finger on what exactly is wrong, but if you have reservations about progressing forward with a particular person, back off. Our intuition is often a step ahead of the game, picking up on weird comments or behaviors that our conscious mind might not notice. Trust your instincts.
- When you feel comfortable with the person you have been emailing to, give them your contact phone number, preferably your mobile. Do not give away your work number (or your work email address), ever! After all, you do not want someone to email your boss or phone your office, in case the relationship does not work.
- When you're having those first few real dates, don't leave your drink unattended. Consider the possibility that they might slip something into it.
- Don't let them pick you up in their own vehicle. Instead, drive yourself or get a taxi. Don't leave with them or go to their home afterward until you've had enough dates to know you can trust them. Similarly, don't take them home with you either.
- Most of all - HAVE FUN, because this is what it's all about. Some people will not be what you are looking for, and you cannot be right for everyone. But if you persist, you will be doing better and better. It takes loads of rubble to find gold. Remember that each encounter is a learning experience that can make you more successful.
You may be yet another person to find your soul mate through an online dating site - just like thousands of other people before you!
Hopefully, you'll be getting together with someone who is trustworthy and enjoyable to be with. Just in case, be sure you follow these safety tips when venturing into the world of online dating.
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