Great Tips For A Safe Online Dating Experience

Dating can be scary no matter how or where you meet. Maybe he hasn't shaved in five years. Perhaps, she has a reputation as the Black Widow after never being called back for a second date. Any date is a toss up. Dating is sort of how Forrest Gump described life; it's like a box of chocolates because you never know what you're going to get.

Because of the anonymity of online dating, it can be trickier than conventional dating. Appearances and descriptions can be misleading, and unfortunately in other cases, just downright deceiving. By following a few tips, online daters can successfully experience safe dates and avoid being a guest on one of those "disastrous internet dating" talk shows.

Tip #1: Trust your instincts and use common sense. If this person rubs you the wrong way via email, imagine how he or she will make you feel in person. Don't do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Tip #2: Enjoy your anonymity online. Using your dating service's secure messaging system, you can communicate without giving out personal information until you feel comfortable. The last thing you need is your very own email stalker.

Tip #3: Be Realistic. Even most reality television shows don't have happy endings these days. Just because this person sounds like the perfect fit, it doesn't mean that you should start ordering the wedding invitations just yet. You have to read a book before you can give a real summary. This date might not be your last first date. If it doesn't lead to a second date, move on to the next person on your list.

Tip #4: In case you've been stranded on a deserted island for the past thirty years and fail to realize that unfortunately there are some cruel and sick people in this world, this message needs to be heard. First Dates Should Be in Public! Never ever agree to meet at the other person's place or to pick them up. Also, be sure and let a friend or family member know your plans for the evening. Stay alert on the first date. If you must have an alcoholic beverage, have only one and do not leave your drink unattended.

Tip #5: Try meeting during the day, perhaps on your lunch break. If the date isn't going as planned, you have a perfect reason to cut the outing short.

Tip #6: Red Flags. As in all traffic signs, red means stop. Don't ignore things that leap out at you about the person. These things are warning signs and include such behaviors:

a) Refuses to answer your questions directly. Is the person hiding something?

b) Makes disrespectful comments about others. How will the person describe you?

c) Inconsistent information which doesn't match prior information from profile, chat, emails, and phone calls. Liar! Liar! Pants on Fire.

d) Avoids phone contact. Why? Marriage?

If the fates are kind, then you will only have pleasant dates as a result of your online matching, but just in case, it's always good to be prepared.

Ann Bendis writes about online dating and relationships at http://www.singleattractions.com


More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Dating Information:

Related Articles


Do Men Want Classy Women?
Ladies, this one is for you. Your mother always told you "Don't give away the farm.
The Dating Yourself Revelation
It's another Friday night and I'm bored as sin. There's nothing on cable, or television for that matter.
Online Dating Tips for the Digital Age of Romance
We are romantic creatures. We are social creatures.
Do You Desire Love and Marriage? How Should You Prepare Yourself?
The rate of new love and marriages is rising as fast as the divorce rate. That forces the question - are people really falling in love? If they are then why is the divorce rate so high? Isn't love enough? Where is the commitment? Love and marriage are still important to people.
Say My Name
Surely you remember that famous line from American Pie, when the band geek says to Jim, "Say my name, Bi*ch!" And Jim squeaks back, "Michelle! Michelle!" Well, take heed, fellows. That band geek was asking for what many of us ladies want to hear, and not just in the heat of the moment.
Dumb Dating Mistakes Men Make with Women
Do you strike out with single women in the romance department no matter what you do? You can even be a drop-dead good-looking guy, but unless you know what is offensive to a woman's ears, you are likely to stick your foot in your mouth and make a fool of yourself and turn off women.With today's single woman you need to know what she wants and then give to her without sounding phony.
Where Should You Go On The First Date?
One of the most frequently asked questions in the history of dating (with the exception of the caveman who was a firm believer in kidnapping and always took his date to a filthy cave) is where should one go on a first date. For starters, there are several places you shouldn't even think about going on a first date.
Life isnt Sex and the City
A couple of weeks ago, I watched a Sex and the City episode, in which Charlotte, in her never-ending quest to find true love, attends a seminar to teach her how to do just that.She drags Carrie along, who scoffs at the whole thing.
Online Dating
Dating has become easier for everyone due to the emergence and success of online dating websites. You can choose the site that suits you best, look for people who have the features you desire along with common interests and contact them immediately.
It Pays For Single Christians To Date Other Like-Minded People
Searching for the perfect mate can be one of life's greatest challenges.Afterall, forever is a long time.
Why Attractive Women Meet Me Online..
Why attractive women meet men online.It's a common question that any men ask themselves when embarking on Internet dating.
From Pen Pal Romance to Online Dating
While dating in person usually starts with physical attraction, dating online or pen pal romance often starts with the echo of souls. When the appearance and thoughts are in harmony, we fall in love and have a happy ending.
Hes So Not Into You
These are words women don't want to hear when they're in a relationship. Unfortunately these words are fact more than fiction.
8 Deadly Dating Mistakes To Avoid!
Are you dating or in a serious relationship? Did you realize that very often we make the same dating mistakes over and over again? As outlined in my book "the Ultimate Online Dating Handbook" sometimes these mistakes can lead to losing the date of our dreams, or possibly being in a bad relationship. I've compiled a list of dating No-nos which will help you identify a possible problem that you can work on to improve your dating experience.
Online Dating Makes Searching For a Partner Fun
Some have said that online dating is an impersonal relationship. These people just don't know what they are talking about.
Donald Trump and the Apprentice Rules Applied to Dating
I was reading an article about the Apprentice and some of the rules that Donald Trump and his apprentice assistants had come up with about business. While reading a lot of them I saw a huge relation to how these same rules also apply to dating as crazy as it might sound.
Dating Tips: The First Impression Matters
Ever had a love at first sight encounter? Totally captured by her beauty the first time you laid your eyes on her? Having sleepless nights thinking about her? That first impression she left with you was sure astonishing wasn't it?The first impression you give plays a very important part in the blooming of a love relationship. It determines the ever possibility of a development of the relationship.
Flowers Leading the Way
Online dating is very popular and also provides a safe way in which to meet other singles with many of your same interests. Instead of trying to find that perfect someone by going out on blind dates set up by friends and family members, doing the bar scene or just plain giving up, many single people today are meeting they soul mates online.
Dating Tips - Prepare To Impress
At first dating is fun but as you go on it's so easy to fall into a rut. A night at home with rental movies or a dinner out or a movie is all you ever seem to do and you are getting bored.
Men: Never Compliment a Woman You Want to Date
Hello Lucia,I regularly compliment women and tell them that I am interested in them. Is this the kiss of death? I hear being aloof and stand-offish is more intriguing and works better in trying to get a woman's attention, especially in the beginning.