14 Mar 2008 02:21:23 | Jay Bauder
Online dating safety tips
There's thrill, excitement, and nervousness when meeting someone
you met over the Net for the first time. But, you must exercise
caution when meeting someone you barely know.
Below are some tips to guide you safely when dating.
1. Make arrangements when meeting. Do not let the person pick
you up from your house.
2. You should meet in places where there are many people or you
can ask for help if your date gives you trouble. Public places
such as malls or daytime parks are good places to begin with. If
it is possible, you could go double or group date.
3. When you are eating in a restaurant or café, go Dutch. Pay
half of the bill. In that way, you won't feel obliged in
returning the favor of treating your date if he or she gets to
pay the whole bill.
4. If possible, avoid drinking alcohol while on a date. Alcohol
could affect your judgment and lessen inhibitions. If you are
drinking, keep the drink in your sight all the time. Do not get
too drunk. You might not know what might happen later or
remember what you have been doing.
5. If you have a car, use it. Make sure the gas tank is full.
6. Assuming that your date is safe just because he or she claims
to be religious is wrong. For all you know, he or she may have a
hidden side you still do not know.
7. Do not let any first-time date know where your house is. If
you plan in seeing your date the second time, arrange for
another date and assess from there if he or she should know
where you live.
8. At night, avoid going to secluded, dark areas like parks or
dimly lit places.
9. Listen to what your gut says. If there is something that does
not feel right, then most likely, it is not. Leave immediately
if you feel something isn't quite right.
10. Tell someone whom you are with and where you will be going.
You might also want to arrange a time schedule where someone
could call you later and check up on you. You could also plan to
meet some friends after the date.
11. Do not give your home contact number. If you really have to
give contact information, give your mobile phone number.
12. Stay alert. Having good chemistry and fun the whole time
does not mean you should let your guard down. Be sure you have a
cell phone with you.
Online dating may be fun, but your safety should be your primary
concern.
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