| |
Online Dating Safety Tips
- Start slow
Watch out for anyone who seems “too good to be true.” Begin by communicating solely via Messenger or email and look for odd behavior or inconsistencies. The person at the other end may not be who or what he or she says they are. Trust your instincts. If anything makes you uncomfortable end the communication for your own safety and protection.
- Be yourself
Always remember that the best matches are made when both parties are completely honest. If you find yourself misleading your online date the results of your experience may not be as desired. One of the reasons online dating has become so popular is because people are finding ways to connect in a more direct fashion. Being misleading about who you are, is not only not fair to yourself, but it’s also unfair the person you are deceiving.
- Guard your anonymity
Never include your last name, email address, home address, phone number, place of business or any other information that can be used to identify you in your profile or initial messages. When corresponding with others turn off your email signature file. Stop communicating with anyone who pressures you for personal information or attempts to mislead you into revealing it.
- Exercise caution and common sense
Careful, thoughtful decisions generally yield better dating results. Guard against trusting the as yet untrustworthy; suitors must earn your trust gradually through consistently honorable, forthright behavior. Take all the time you need to test for a trustworthy person and pay careful attention along the way. If you suspect someone is lying, he or she probably is, so act accordingly. Be responsible about romance, and don’t fall in love at the click of a mouse. Don’t become prematurely intimate with someone, even if that intimacy only occurs online. If you mutually decide to cross the point of no return, be smart and protect yourself.
- Request a photo
A photo will give you a good idea of the person's appearance, which may prove helpful in achieving a gut feeling. In fact, it’s best to view several images of someone in various settings: casual, formal, indoors and outdoors. If after an appropriate period of time, all you hear are excuses about why you can't see a photo, consider that he or she has something to hide. Keep in mind even after receiving a photo that it too can be deceiving. Not only can a person use a photo from any time of their life, it may not even be a photo of the person to whom you are speaking.
- Chat on the phone
A phone call can reveal much about a person’s communication and social skills. Consider your security and do not reveal your personal phone number to a stranger. Try a cell phone number instead or use local telephone blocking techniques to prevent your phone number from appearing in Caller ID. Only furnish your phone number when you feel completely comfortable.
- 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. And even if you decide to arrange a meeting, you always have the right to change your mind. It’s possible that your decision to keep the relationship anonymous is based on a hunch that you can’t logically explain. Trust yourself and go with your instincts.
- Watch for red flags
Pay attention to displays of anger, intense frustration or attempts to pressure or control you. Acting in a passive-aggressive manner, making demeaning or disrespectful comments or any physically inappropriate behavior are all red flags. You should be concerned if your date exhibits any of the following behavior without providing an acceptable explanation:
- Provides inconsistent information about age, interests, appearance, marital status, profession, employment, etc.
- Refuses to speak to you on the phone after establishing ongoing, online intimacy.
- Fails to provide direct answers to direct questions.
- Appears significantly different in person from his or her online persona.
- Never introduces you to friends, professional associates or family members even if it’s only over the phone.
- Meet in a safe place
When you choose to meet offline, always tell a friend where you are going and when you will return. Leave your date’s name and telephone number with your friend. Never arrange for your date to pick you up at home. Provide your own transportation, meet in a public place at a time with many people around, and when the date is over, and leave on your own as well. A familiar restaurant or coffee shop, at a time when a lot of other people will be present, is often a fine choice. If you decide to move to another location, take your own car. Do not give your date the capability to get you alone during your first offline meetings, you may even want to meet with friends on both sides as this not only provides safety but an idea of what your date’s acquaintances are like.
- Take extra precautions outside your area
If you are flying in from another city, arrange for your own car and hotel room. Do not disclose the name of your hotel and never allow your date to make the arrangements for you. Rent a car at the airport and drive directly to your hotel. Call your date from the hotel or meet at the location you have already agreed to. If the location seems inappropriate or unsafe, go back to your hotel. Try to contact your date at that location or leave a message on a home machine. Always make sure a friend or family member knows your plans and has your contact information. And if possible, carry a cell phone at all times.
- Get yourself out of a jam
Never do anything you feel unsure about. If you are in any way afraid of your date, use your best judgment to diffuse the situation and leave. It’s natural to be nervous and if need be excuse yourself long enough to call a friend for advice. If you feel a real need to be afraid ask someone else at your location for help or slip out the back door and drive 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 behavior; your safety is much more important than one person’s opinion of you.
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
Village Matchmaker provides reviews of top online dating sites and tips for online dating.
|
|
|
|
Village Matchmaker welcomes those searching to find compatible singles, local singles, dating tips even free online dating! Whether you’re seeking a man or seeking a woman you’ll find great listings for the top online dating sites as well as reviews to aid you in finding that successful relationship. |
|
|
