PREVIOUS ARTICLE -
How to write an online dating profile
Online dating can lead to wonderful relationships, romance and adventure. Only very
occasionally will you ever hear about something going wrong. By employing a few
basic guidelines you can make sure you play safely.
Go Slow
Take things slowly to start and build trust. Take one step at a time. Begin by
exchanging emails, swap recent photos, and chat via Instant Messenger.
Listen to your intuition and if you feel uncomfortable then stop.
(See
Once you click with someone).
Stay anonymous at the beginning
As you build trust, you can reveal more about yourself. At first be sure not to reveal
your full name, where you live or other contact information at this early stage.
Guard your email
Since a great number of relationships start with exchanging emails; be careful to
ensure your email information is private.
Your email can reveal more about you than just your email address. For example you
may have a digital signature, or your full name. Make sure these are not revealed.
If you're not sure what sending an email will reveal about your personal details,
send a test message to yourself.
If you are in doubt about what your email will reveal to someone about yourself,
then send yourself a test message.
Remember to set up an email account especially for your online dating
correspondence. Don't use your real name in your email address.
For Outlook Express 6 users, on the top menu, select Tools, then Accounts...
Click on the "Mail" tab, and select the email account you wish to use. Next, click
on the button "Properties". Under "User Information" replace your real name with a
nickname, and remove any reference to your "Organization".
Ask for a photo
Some say looks are important, others personality! Either way, request a photo from
your potential date. It's a good way to check who you are talking has described themselves
fairly well! If someone keeps putting off sending a photo, then this should
be a warning signal. Of course, there's nothing like actually meeting, so you may not really
be sure until then. Don't forget to ask for more than one photo, and remember to ask when the
photo was taken.
Use the telephone
Only give out your phone number when you feel comfortable. You probably
have already exchanged emails and chatted via instant messenger.
Chatting by phone will give you both a chance to get to know each other better and
is a good way to assess your potential date's social skills.
Use a cell phone if you have one or a pay phone in preference to your home number.
If you must use you home number then you should consider suppressing Caller ID on
that line. The flip side would be to use a service like Privacy Manager
that intercepts numbers without Caller ID. Both features are useful ways to protect
yourself and your privacy.
Where to Meet
Arrange to meet somewhere public where there's a lot of people. Make sure you know you're
route home so you don't miss the last train or bus, and keep a number to call
for a taxi incase you're late or there's been a change of plan.
Bring a friend
You may like to bring a friend with you on your first date, and plan for them
to leave early if things are going well.
You could also arrange to meet them after your date as an additional precaution, or
at least to ring them on your way home. Do also remember to take your cell phone
if you have one.
Tell a friend
If you can't bring a friend, always tell someone where,
when and with whom you are meeting. If travelling leave your hotel address
and phone with them. Call them if possible, after your date.
Traveling long distance
If you are traveling some way to meet someone for the first time, don't agree
to stay at their place. Instead arrange a hotel and if your budget allows,
rent a car. This way if your date isn't successful you have a place of your
own to go. Avoid meeting at the airport or revealing your hotel.
NEXT ARTICLE -
Once you click with someone (Part 1)
