Singles Online Dating Safety - By: Gladys Alvarez

Quite a few years ago, the way people went about meeting other people who were as they were, single and looking/or not, for a partner, a friend or simply a date, was to go on a blind date that a friend or family member had arranged sometimes without even the benefit of having exchanged a few words or knowing what that person looked like. But in this reality, we have the internet. That great avenue that allows us to meet wonderful people who might share our likes, dislikes, interests and passions. Millions today are doing just that because online dating is being regarded as a safe medium for meeting potential dates. Your online dating should be preceded by informing yourself on how to do so safely.

At the Beginning:

Choose a reputable online dating site:

Look for adequate customer support, a listed phone number, and full address. Make sure the site you connect with, has strict security, privacy and safety policies.

Look specifically for safety features such as the ability to block members (without being penalized), and make sure that your email or chat correspondence is contained on the site and not sent directly to your private email address.

Be weary of free online dating sites:

Remember the saying "you get what you pay for" for several reasons. Online dating sites that you have to pay for, usually turn out to be safer ones. There's no way for users to be traced because they haven't even had to provide so much as a credit card. And for paid services, those who are serious about dating are going to be willing to pay the fee, which could be a little steep.

Set up a special email account:

While your online dating service shouldn't reveal your own personal email account, it's a good idea to set up a new email account, specifically for online dating purposes. This email address should have only your first name - both in the email address itself and in the name/from field. If at some point you decide to correspond via email, you should have a special account set up strictly for this purpose.

Never give out too much personal information:

By "personal information," we don't mean as personal as your social security number; we're talking basics—like your last name, your home phone number, where you live, and where you work. Stick to first names only, no matter how much you might immediately like and trust someone.

Ask for a few recent photos:

While the photo you receive of that handsome, buff senior executive could really be the overweight, unemployed, and married man with whom you've been corresponding, the goal is to rule out anyone who won't provide a photo right off the bat. Asking for a few different photos might also help discourage someone from sending you a phony representation.

Save copies of your correspondence:

Keeping a record of your emails and or instant messenger conversations is always helpful. Name each file as the date of your conversation. Seem overboard? Well, not only could it really protect you down the road, but you might start noticing inconsistencies in what someone is saying, and with everything documented, you'll be able to go back and easily check.

On the Phone:

Even when your "online" relationship moves to the next level, i.e. do not disclose your home phone number. Use a cell, a payphone (initially at least), or an anonymous phone service. Be sure to block your phone number whenever you call from home if you do not have a cell phone.

Meeting for the First Time:

First and foremost, don't call it a first date. Make it a meeting - and a casual one. Make your meeting a light one, like for coffee, during the day in a busy and public place. If possible, take a friend along to be introduced to your potential date, and then arrange a time and place to meet back with your friend. If you're not able to take a friend, make sure you let someone know exactly where you're going, when you'll be back, and give him/her all the information you have on the person you're meeting.

Do not go back home with the person you're meeting, invite him/her over to your house, or get a ride home. Even though a ride home might seem harmless, not only do you not want this person knowing where you live, but you're also handing over a lot of control and opening yourself up to all kinds of vulnerabilities in the car.

Above all - trust your instinct. If something isn't sitting right with you even though you might not be able to explain it, follow that feeling through. You should be very cautious, slow down, or back off altogether. Remember, your instinct is ultimately the best screening tool you have.

About the Author

Gladys Alvarez has done what hundreds of were hoping for; the research and legwork concerning Internet dating. Through extensive studies she has eliminated all the hype out of the dating sites, bringing you the results of only the best. She is known as a top Internet marketer and mentor with many years experience as a Correspondent, who has traveled around the world. She suggests that you visit her website at: Top10 Online Dating TODAY!

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Gladys-Alvarez/50046

Additional Articles From - Home | Society | Dating