Online dating can be a fun endeavour. It is also a good time to build friendships that can become lasting, offline relationships. Whether you correspondence does not beyond the online world or whether you decide to meet up with people offline, remember to use good judgment.  Common sense is your best safety tool.

Start out slow

Be careful of those who seem too good to be true.  To do that, start by communicating only via instant messenger or the dating service’s mail service.  This will allow you to look for odd behavior, inconsistencies, or strange personality patterns. Trust your instincts. If you begin to feel uncomfortable, break off the communication and simply walk away.  This is for your own safety and protection.

Guard your anonymity

All communication with individuals met on internet dating sites should protect your true identity until you decide to reveal it. Be sure never to include your last name, personal email address, home address, phone number, place of work or any other information in your free profile or initial messages that will infrom anyone where to contact or visit you. Immediately end communication with anyone who pressures you for personal information or attempts to trick you into revealing it.

Exercise caution and common sense

Careful decisions are more likely to yield better dating results. Take as much time as is needed to test assess the trustworthiness of a potential date; being sure to pay careful attention along the way. Be responsible about romance, and do not fall in love at the “click of a mouse”. Remember that if someone or something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If at all possible, do not become prematurely intimate with someone.  However, if you mutually decide to cross the point of no return, be smart and protect yourself.

Review all photos

A photo or web cam will give you a good glimpse of the other person’s appearance. If someone you are speaking with does not have a photo displayed (or only one displayed) and is unable to produce a second photo, or any photo at all, consider that he or she has something to hide. Be suspicious if you encounter this circumstance.

Talk on the phone

A phone call can give more insight into a person’s character and social skills. Remember your security and only reveal your contact information when you feel completely comfortable.  Consider giving a cell phone number rather than home or use telephone blocking techniques to prevent your phone number from being shown on Caller ID.

Meet when YOU are ready

One of the great aspects of communicating with potential mates online is that you are able to gradually collect information; choosing whether to pursue an offline relationship. You are never obligated to meet anyone, regardless of the length of your communication or your level of intimacy online. Furthermore, if you decide to arrange a meeting, you reserve the right to change your mind at any time. Trust yourself and your instincts. If you decide to change your mind, it is probably the right decision.

Watch for red flags

Me mindful of inconsistencies in behavior, such as displays of anger or frustration, a change of information about age, interests, appearance, marital status, profession, employment, etc.  Here are three red flags that are frequently experienced:

• Refusing to speak to you on the phone once establishing ongoing, online communication.

• Failing to provide direct answers to questions.

• Appearing significantly different in person, via looks or personality, from what was witnessed online.

Meet in a safe place

When you finally choose to meet someone offline, always tell a friend where you are going and when you plan to return. Leave your date’s name and telephone number with your friend as well. Never arrange for your date to pick you up at home. Instead, provide your own transportation and meet in a public place when there will be many people around.  Likewise, when the date is over, leave on your own as well. Should you decide to move to another location, take your own car so you can leave once the date is over.

Get yourself out of a jam

Never do anything about which you feel unsure. If you are in any way suspicious or afraid of your date, use your best judgment to get out of the situation. If possible, excuse yourself and call a friend for advice. If you feel you are in danger, call the police.  It is 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.
Good luck in all of your dating endevours.