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Online Dating Tips

Online dating has become a major way of meeting people in the 21st century. These websites have made it easy for people to find a significant other based on their online profile. However, dating someone through a phone or computer comes with a lot of risks. Follow these tips to ensure that you are being safe online.

  • Always trust your instincts.
  • Take your time and look at lots of different profiles to get a feel for what kind of person you want.
  • Never publish your phone number or email address.
  • Don't take anything at face value. It's easy to lie online, and many people do.
  • Ask a lot of questions when chatting with your potential mates.
  • If someone is abusive or rude, block them immediately.
  • Don't give your home or work address to anyone you have not met in person.
  • Before agreeing to a date, make sure you know as much about the other person as possible.
  • Don't allow yourself to be talked into anything. You're the one in charge.
  • Take your time to get to know someone. Don't be rushed. A patient person will be happy to wait until you are ready to meet.
  • Make sure anyone you're talking to is willing to provide photos and information about himself or herself.
  • Chat on the phone for a while before arranging a date.
  • Always meet in a well-lit public place.
  • Always tell a good friend where you are going and who you're meeting.
  • If possible, step away and call a friend during the date to confirm that you are safe.
  • Always carry a cell phone on a date.
  • Always make your own travel arrangements to/from a first date.
  • Do not accept a ride home on the first date or reveal your address.
  • If you're traveling far, always make and confirm your own hotel arrangements.
  • Keep your first date to a specified time limit so you always have an "exit" point.
  • Never feel like you owe it to someone to meet them.