Online dating tips - Part 2
In our introduction article in this series, we covered
the topics of your personal photo and
profile - now we'll moved onto some very important subjects;
communicating and decision making.
Communicating
All good dating and personal services will keep your name, address and personal information anonymous until you decide you would like to reveal it. When you start communications with someone, never give out your phone number, email address, your last name or any other identifying information, such as your work location etc. If the other person starts to pressure you to give out personal information, stop all communications immediately.
Chatting on the phone is a good way to start finding out more about the other person. Do not give out your home phone number until you are absolutely certain you want this person to have it. Try using mobile phones first or use a telephone blocking technique that hides your phone number.
Decision time & precautions
Take your time before you make the decision to meet someone. Trust your instincts and if the person seems too good to be true then maybe they are. Look out for
behavior that seems odd or if they appear to be lying or hiding something from you.
If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, cease communications or if you are meeting in person, make and excuse and get away. On this point it is wise when meeting for the first time or even the first few times, to do so in a safe place. On the very first occasion, it would be wise to meet in a public place with a friend nearby. Get to know this person well before being alone with them.
If you can't have a friend nearby on the first date, make sure you tell someone where you will be and what time you will be home. Let them know that if this situation changes, you will ring them and let them know. It is very important that you meet in a safe place, like a popular cafe or restaurant where you know a lot of people will be present.
Never let your date pick you up from your home address. If you do decide to go somewhere else with this person, take your own car. When you decide it is time to leave, say thank you and goodbye to your date. Make sure you park your car in a safe place or better still; a cab is probably a better idea.
The great thing about meeting someone online is that it is totally up to you when or if you want to meet this person offline. Remember, you are NEVER obligated to meet this person and if you decide for any reason that something does not seem right, trust your gut instinct.
Once again, take your time before making a decision to take the online relationship one step further. If this person respects you they will wait until you are ready. Don't be too quick to fall in love or intimate with someone.
This includes being intimate online. Be careful what you say online as this may have ramifications when you meet in person. Be yourself. People tend to be braver online then face to face and may come across as someone they are not. If you do decide to become intimate, please make sure you are using the necessary protection to prevent sexually transmitted disease.
Part 3 - Early warning
signs and personal safety
Part 1 - Personal
photos and profile
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