Great Tips For A Safe Online Dating Experience

Dating can be scary no matter how or where you meet. Maybe he hasn't shaved in five years. Perhaps, she has a reputation as the Black Widow after never being called back for a second date. Any date is a toss up. Dating is sort of how Forrest Gump described life; it's like a box of chocolates because you never know what you're going to get.

Because of the anonymity of online dating, it can be trickier than conventional dating. Appearances and descriptions can be misleading, and unfortunately in other cases, just downright deceiving. By following a few tips, online daters can successfully experience safe dates and avoid being a guest on one of those "disastrous internet dating" talk shows.

Tip #1: Trust your instincts and use common sense. If this person rubs you the wrong way via email, imagine how he or she will make you feel in person. Don't do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Tip #2: Enjoy your anonymity online. Using your dating service's secure messaging system, you can communicate without giving out personal information until you feel comfortable. The last thing you need is your very own email stalker.

Tip #3: Be Realistic. Even most reality television shows don't have happy endings these days. Just because this person sounds like the perfect fit, it doesn't mean that you should start ordering the wedding invitations just yet. You have to read a book before you can give a real summary. This date might not be your last first date. If it doesn't lead to a second date, move on to the next person on your list.

Tip #4: In case you've been stranded on a deserted island for the past thirty years and fail to realize that unfortunately there are some cruel and sick people in this world, this message needs to be heard. First Dates Should Be in Public! Never ever agree to meet at the other person's place or to pick them up. Also, be sure and let a friend or family member know your plans for the evening. Stay alert on the first date. If you must have an alcoholic beverage, have only one and do not leave your drink unattended.

Tip #5: Try meeting during the day, perhaps on your lunch break. If the date isn't going as planned, you have a perfect reason to cut the outing short.

Tip #6: Red Flags. As in all traffic signs, red means stop. Don't ignore things that leap out at you about the person. These things are warning signs and include such behaviors:

a) Refuses to answer your questions directly. Is the person hiding something?

b) Makes disrespectful comments about others. How will the person describe you?

c) Inconsistent information which doesn't match prior information from profile, chat, emails, and phone calls. Liar! Liar! Pants on Fire.

d) Avoids phone contact. Why? Marriage?

If the fates are kind, then you will only have pleasant dates as a result of your online matching, but just in case, it's always good to be prepared.

Ann Bendis writes about online dating and relationships at http://www.singleattractions.com

---

Are You Considering Online Dating?

Jody's quest in finding a suitable partner for marriage seemed... Read More

Top 10 Photo Blunders

The following no-nonsense list was compiled from interviews with long-time... Read More

Impress Your Date: Proper Grooming Tips For Him

So you have scored the date, she has agreed to... Read More

Online Dating - 5 Essential Safety Tips

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

Guys, Do Your Pickup Lines Always Get Met with Turn Downs?

It's unbelievable how many guys have this problem!I mean, you... Read More

A Single Mans Astrological Guide to Single Women

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - She's aggressive with... Read More

Table For Two Please!

I recently heard a woman say that she would not... Read More

Gay Dating Tactics: Your First-Date Dos & Donts

IntroductionNothing gets the heart pumping quite like the nervous anticipation... Read More

Choosing an Online Dating Service

The task of choosing the best dating site to join... Read More

Flowers Leading the Way

Online dating is very popular and also provides a safe... Read More

10 Tips for Succeding in Dating!

Generally the most important step when dating someone is the... Read More

If You Want A Date, Promote Yourself!

How to find a date? Promote yourself! That's one of... Read More

Men On Dating- Timing, Turn-offs and Keepers

Dear Relationship Coach-"We met online and seemed to hit it... Read More

Dating Advice: Should You Play With Madness?

I have a friend with a big problem, a guy... Read More

The Freedom to Exist

This article will seem like just good old plain common... Read More

Online Dating Makes Searching For a Partner Fun

Some have said that online dating is an impersonal relationship.... Read More

A Dating Story From My Youth

One of my first "Big Dates" was a Cotillion dance... Read More

Why Settle?

When dating we all too often settle for someone that... Read More

Why Online Dating is So Tough For Men

Online dating has become increasingly popular over the past several... Read More

Are You Dating a Potential Cheater?

Most single woman seeking a committed relationship would rather avoid... Read More

Creating An Effective Personals Ad That Gets Results: Dos and Donts

Creating a great ad means selling your strengths and attributes.... Read More

Personal Values and Christian Dating

Personal values is an important point when it comes to... Read More

Online Dating Service! Is Matchmaking On The Internet Right For You?

Online dating service! Is it right for you? That would... Read More

Breaking Up

The first thing you should do is talk about what... Read More

Dating While Seeking GOD- A Road Less Traveled

Why is it when it comes to dating that we... Read More

How To Have Sex On A First Date

Guys have all different motives for trying to be successful... Read More

Tips for Creating a Successful Personal Online Dating Profile

Your profile is the key to meeting your perfect match... Read More

Single Women Are Hot

Just when businesses and advertisers think they have women all... Read More

Faster, Cheaper, Better ­ P2P Online Dating Software

There is one thing we all know for certain when... Read More

Co-Dependency

Co-Dependency is an unhealthy reliance on another person for every... Read More

Relationship Room

Just recently, I felt ready to experience change in a... Read More

Basic SMS Tips for Picking Up the Women of Your Dreams

I don't know if the craze of SMS has caught... Read More

10 Reasons to Use Online Dating Sites

There are many more reasons than just ten that I... Read More