By Muscle Media
There is no doubt that online dating can put you in touch with some great people. In fact, you just may end up finding your Prince Charming or Dream Girl! However, online dating is not without its risks. Here are six online dating safety tips. They are offered to help you have a fun experience, while keeping you aware and out of harm’s way.
Tip #1.
Your safety lessons in online dating starts with your profile itself. Do not reveal exact personal details (real name, telephone numbers, street addresses, etc.) in your profile for everyone to see. For the first few weeks, you should only communicate with other daters through the message system available on the sites. This personal messaging system is designed to keep your name and contact details anonymous. This allows you the opportunity to get to know the other person without revealing your true identity. Once you believe that you know your date well enough, you have the option to disclose some more personal details and even set up a date. In the event that you do end up communicating with someone who turns out to be a creep (unfortunately this does happen), your real identity will be protected.
Tip #2.
Once you do set up a date with an online friend, do not ask them to come to your home on the first date. Do not even have them pick you up at your home. Instead, arrange to meet at a designated public spot.
Tip #3.
If you have a friend who is also into online dating, you could consider getting together with your friend and have a double date. This way, you won’t be alone when you meet your online friend. You will also have someone to escape with (in case your date turns out to be a bore)!
Tip #4.
Never ever agree to have your first date in a private or secluded spot. You may think that this is very basic advice, but you would be amazed. Countless people still make this mistake and end up in potentially dangerous situations. You should pick an open and public place for your date. A restaurant or a park would be ideal. If you decide to go to another place with your date, do not get into the car with them. Either take your own vehicle or call and ask a friend to take you. While all this may seem like too much trouble, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Tip #5.
Avoid drinking alcohol on your first date. If you absolutely must, make sure you only have one or two drinks and no more. Ask the waiter or the bartender to serve you. If you leave the drink for any reason, perhaps to visit the rest room, do not finish that same drink when you return.
Tip #6.
Before you leave for your date, make sure a friend or relative knows where you are going and when to expect you back. If something untoward does happen, at least you know that someone will be out looking for you.
By keeping these online dating safety tips in mind, are doing what you can to protect yourself. With that worry off of your mind, you are free to go out and have a great time with your new online date!