How To Stay Safe In The Online Dating Scene
The Internet is great. It lets you shop, it lets you find info, and now, it even lets you find a date. Of course it is much different from the traditional way, but it is certainly more convenient. There are tons of services, like FriendFinder, which have tons of members, so finding somebody with similar interests is a snap.
Even though online dating is so convenient, and you may think that you have found your perfect person, you still have to be safe. If you meet somebody on FriendFinder, and have only talked by email or instant messenger, you do not know if the person is safe. However, following the guidelines below, you can have a safe, happy date, and perhaps you perfect person will become you only person ?.
First, you should always make the arrangements to meet your date. Don’t let your date pick you up at home or know your home address. This applies to both the first date and subsequent dates if you’re unsure of your interest in the person. You should also only give out your cell phone number, and not your home landline number which can be traced to your address. Don’t worry about anyone taking offense; this is your personal safety at stake and be very firm about this.
Be sure to meet in a public place, such as a concert, or movies, or a local Starbucks, somewhere with lots of people. A good idea is to go on a double date, with one of your friends. It might be a bit awkward, but at least it is safe.
Another important safety tip is to avoid alcohol on your first date. You don’t want your judgement to be impaired or to let your guard down. If you do drink, however, keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum and always keep sight of your glass.
One more tip is to pay half the bill on your first date. That way, you don’t feel obligated to go on a second date if you are interested.
Also, tell a friend where you are going with your date, and when you will be back. Have the friend call you to make sure you arrived home safely. Also, you could end your date by meeting up with friends.
And last but not least, trust your judgment. If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t. If you feel uneasy with the person, don’t be afraid of ending your date early. Even though you may have talked with the person a lot by email, sometimes you can only pick up that something is not right with that person when you talk to him/her in person. If you use your judgment and common sense, you will have a great date!
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