Online Dating Safety Tips
Online dating is the best possible way to meet new people you never normally would have come into contact with. Every year, thousands of people get together or even marry as a result of meeting on an online dating website. Millions of people in the UK are using online dating right now and as a general rule, online dating is regarded as a safe medium for meeting potential partners.
However we want to ensure your online dating experience is as safe and fun as possible. So below we have created 10 top tips for Online Dating.
1. Trust Your Gut. Your gut feeling is a powerful medium for knowing when something doesn't feel right. As you are searching for TheOneThatYouWant and are browsing profiles, responding to emails and meeting people for dates your instincts help tell you if something is "right" or if something is not quite right. The "not quite right" message is your cue to be careful....Always trust your gut!
2. Never Provide Personal Information Too Soon. Your home phone number and full name provide easy ways to track who you are and where you live. So keep your personal information personal until you get to know the individual.
3. Ask for a Recent Photo. There's nothing wrong in asking someone if their photos are recent. If they don't have a photo, request a recent one. It's important for you to get a good look at the person you may eventually meet.
4. Stick with Paid Online Dating Websites. Free online dating services provide a great opportunity for potentially dangerous individuals. They don't even have to provide a credit card or other information that identifies them. There is truth in saying, "you get what you pay for".
5. Make your own way there. Provide your own transportation to your public meeting place and make sure you have a way of getting home i.e. taxis numbers in your phone and cash or petrol in your car.
6. Always let a friend or family member know where you are going. Make sure someone knows where you are going and who you'll be with. You might even consider arranging a time to call and check in. Or you could arrange to meet up with a friend later that night.
7. Arrange to meet them. When meeting for the first time, never allow your date to pick you up from your home.
8. Meet in a Public Place for Your First Meeting. When it's time for that first exciting face-to-face meeting, arrange to meet in a public place. Your initial meeting will tell you a lot about the other person, including whether or not he/she lied in their profile.
9. Alcohol will affect your judgment. The biggest threat to your judgment is alcohol. Not only does it affect your judgment, but alcohol also lessens your inhibitions. Don’t get so drunk that you don’t know what you are doing, and if possible try to avoid alcohol on your first date.
10. Always remain alert. Even if you’re having a great time and everything’s going really well, it’s still a good idea to remain alert the whole evening.
By following these tips you will help protect yourself from any potential dangers. With that in mind, thousands of people have fulfilling relationships from online dating. As you can see, the experience can be both safe and rewarding.
