Online Dating - 5 Essential Safety Tips

So, you've decided to take the plunge and follow in the



footsteps of countless other singles who know that online



dating is a successful route to meeting new friends and



finding the perfect partner. But, what do you do when you



find someone you like?







Initially, you'll want to keep all communication by email



and get to know a little more about the other person. Email



also gives you time to think about what you want to say



whilst allowing you the distance and privacy to keep things



from moving too quickly. And just like your daily post,



you'll be surprised how much you will look forward to



checking your inbox to see if you have new mail!







Once an email friendship has been established you may feel



comfortable enough to talk over the telephone. Take your



time over giving out your telephone number though, if you



decide that you don't want to pursue the friendship you



can't take your number back.







Ok. Let's assume that you've emailed and chatted on the



telephone. You've decided that you really like this person



and would love to meet up. Stop right there! Before you get



carried away with the excitement that the prospect of new



love brings, read these important safety tips prior to



taking the final step of meeting that great new date:







. Always tell a friend where and when you are meeting.







. Don't give out personal information unless you feel



confident to do so, especially your home address.







. Never give out personal financial details. Never give or



send out money to someone you've just met.







. If travelling to meet, make your own arrangements for



overnight accommodation and don't give out the name or



address of your hotel.







. Follow your instincts. If you feel unsafe of unsure of



your situation, never be embarrassed or afraid to make your



excuses and leave.











On the whole, just like in everyday life, most people you



meet via the Internet will be genuine but it is important to



be aware that some may not. Just following a few basic rules



will ensure your safety. You might even want to arrange to



'check in' with a friend to let them know how the date is



going - if your friends are as nosey as mine this will be



the first thing they ask you to do!







Finally, relax and enjoy yourself. You never know, it could



be the start of something beautiful.