Online Dating Safety Tips!
By Andy Thompson.
Online personals and dating is a great way to meet that special
someone, however it is important to approach it with safety as your
first priority. While most online services are very secure and do a
good job at helping ensure your privacy and confidentiality, you are
ultimately responsable for your own safety.
Most services do not pre-screen their users, therefore they cannot
assume any responsability for the people you meet through their
sites. This officially grants you the title of screener, a
responsability which you must take very seriously. After all, if you
are comfortable and feel secure online, you will have much more fun
with online dating!
Here are a few good security tips:
1- Never reveal your last name or address to a stranger. If telephone
numbers are exchanged, try to use a cell phone with a private number.
If you call a stranger at home, always use caller ID blocking to
maintain your privacy.
2- Do not use your primary EMAIL address for online dating
correspondence - create an anonymous Email account (such as a Hotmail
account) to correspond with potential dates.
3- If you decide to meet that special someone, always meet in a
public place - NEVER meet in private for your first date! Always let
someone know where you are going.
4- Be honest about who you are and what you are seeking - do not
reveal more than you normally would in a face to face first meeting.
If your online contact attempts to presure you into revealing more
than you are comfortable with, re-evaluate his/her intentions.
5- Always review the security and confidentiality policy of the
online dating service you are using. Many of the better known online
dating sites have very good privacy policies.
6- Don't rush into a face to face meeting - take your time, chat up a
storm and get to know each other. Is the person on the other end
being honest, or do you get the feeling they are just saying what you
want to hear. You are the sole judge and jury in this love trial -
use your best judgement!
In conclusion, safety should be your #1 priority as you venture into
the world of online dating. Go slow, take your time to and get to
know you potential dates. Like the song says, "Only fools rush in" -
taking your time will only increase your chances of meeting that
special someone and at the same time help weed out the bad seeds!
Andy Thompson is owner and operator of
http://www.cosmodating.com - A
Woman's Guide to Online Dating - he can be reached at the following
address:
admin@...
