Playing it Safe

Online dating is a great way to meet people and open the door to finding that special someone. Instead of being limited to the gene pool in your neighborhood, you’ve got the whole world at your fingertips, increasing your chances of ‘love ever after’. There’s an element of danger too though, because of the phonies who aren’t what they seem and use the anonymity of the Internet to prey on unsuspecting victims. Here are a few tips on how to surf for romance safely.

Never give out personal information. Unfortunately, potential partners aren’t pre-screened by VeriSign. No matter how charming or compatible they may seem to be, they are words on a screen. The baddies will say and do anything to get what they’re after, and you don’t need to be a statistic. Phone numbers, addresses, last names, and employers are out until you’ve had a chance to truly get to know each other in the ‘real’ world. You don’t know if this person is a career criminal or a gold digger. Protect yourself (and your family) by not giving away anything you could regret later. Everyone you talk to online should be viewed with a healthy dose of suspicion. If someone gives you the ‘uh-oh’ feeling, for any reason, listen to your gut instincts, the same way you would if it was a regular date and end it.

When it’s time to meet in real life, always pick a public place. When you are ready to meet in real life, pick a place in public. Don’t ask your date to pick you up and don’t invite your date to your house afterward. Also, let a friend or relative know that you will be meeting someone from online, and let them know where you will be meeting and when you will be expected to return from your date.

Watch for undesirable personality traits. Online dating can quickly sort the chaff from the wheat, so to speak, without much of a time investment on the wrong person. Use it to its full potential and shop with a discerning mind. Does this person seem whiny, obsessive, insecure, or demanding? Real life isn’t going to miraculously improve them. Toss them back in the pond and set your line again. Life is too short to be stuck with an albatross.

There are many online dating success stories, and just as many tragedies which could have been avoided. Enjoy talking to new people and exploring the limitless possibilities of online dating, but keep your wits about you. With so many different people to choose from, there’s no need to put up with someone who makes you uncomfortable. Play safe and have fun!