does
not have any identifying information, when sending emails to a
member through your own email.
2. Photo Perfect Request
To give an idea of the person's look, thus make you a tad safer,
request for a picture. A scanned photo won't cost so much, so
not much alibi can be given for not doing it.
3. Lean on Common Sense
Trusting your online acquaintances easily can make you easy
bait. If your gut feel tells you that someone is lying, there's
a big chance that he or she is actually lying. Then, don't go
justifying his or her acts. Look for someone that deserves your
trust. Online intimacy is very dangerous. Don't indulge yourself
on such endeavor at the click of a mouse. Logical thinking will
save you a lot of trouble.
4. Call First, Don't Drool Just Yet
A person's skills when it comes to communicating can be easily
gauged
through a phone call. Though it might cost you some
moolah, it still is worth it than risking yourself to falling
for an anti-social. However, to make things a lot safer, use a
cell phone or a pay phone instead of using your land line.
Unless you are absolutely comfortable with the person you are
calling, don't give your home phone number at once.
5. Delay the Meeting
It is advisable to take your time and get to know the person as
much as possible first before saying yes to a face to face
meeting. If he seems to be only spouting or keying saccharine
words that you want to hear, the person on the other end might
have a questionable honesty. Don't feel like you are obligated
to meet anyone, you still have the last say on whether you are
ready to meet the person or not. You are free to change your
mind if anything feels not right.
6. Psychoanalyze or End up
with a Psycho
You should pay attention to any signs of intense frustration,
anger or any displays of aggressive behavior. If the person is
trying to control or pressure you, stop the communication. Here
are the other alarming manifestations of bad behavior that when
spotted, should make you stop from communicating with your
online friend: - giving dubious info about appearance, age,
interests, profession, marital status, etc. - refusal to
converse with you over the phone when you have already
established online intimacy - consistently not giving any direct
answers to direct questions, etc. - overly agreeing to your
every statement - asking you to provide travel arrangements
7. Offline Meeting
Before meeting your online friend, tell someone reliable where
you will go and when you will return. Leaving your date's name
and phone number is a good idea. Bring
your mobile phone. Don't
make your date pick you up at home. Have your own transportation
and meet somewhere public. During the date, don't leave your
drink unattended. After the date, leave on your own too.
To make online dating work, it is imperative that you exercise
caution. Have ample time to get to know the other person, don't
rush yourself or allow anyone to rush you into doing anything.
It's better to be safe and dateless for a while than sorry.
About the author:
Jay is the web owner of http://www.singles-in.com Online Singles, a website
that provides information and resources on personals, dating,
and singles. You can visit his website at:
http://www.personals-in.com Online Personals
