Online dating can be a fun and rewarding experience as long as you use common sense, trust your own instincts and play it safe at all times. The fact that you (and everyone else) is anonymous has both positives and negatives.
The positive side is that you are safe and secure in your own home sititng behind a computer. Yet you can communicate with people next door, around your neighbourhood, across your town or city, throughout the country and around the globe. Basically you can talk one-to-one to millions of people in complete safety.
The downside is that you don't really know who you are communicating with. Of course, you've probably read their profile and maybe even seen a photograph. But let's be honest. Even if they have posted a profile (which we really urge everyone to do and be honest and sincere in what they write) it's only human nature to exaggerate things a little bit. So Miss or Mr Perfect may not always be so perfect in reality.
That's why we encourage you to always be smart, use common sense and play it safe. Trust your instincts and keep probing and asking questions once you've made contact with someone. Take your time getting to know them and don't be pressured into meeting up too quickly. Remember, you are in control. So have fun but play safe.
Online Conversations:
Remain anonymous. You should avoid being identified when you're online dating. Never give out your real name,
phone number or address in your personal profile or when you are sending messages.
Be Honest.:
Be truthful in your profile and in online conversations. Make your intentions clear. If you're just flirting make sure that the other person isn't taking you seriously. Being honest can prevent disappointment for both you and your potential partner. Remember, you could end up meeting this person. You don't want to hurt other people's feelings with false impressions.
Always Pay Attention:
Listen to your intuition it's your best defense. Use common sense. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Pay attention to habits and moods. Are they changing? If something doesn't feel right, feel free to stop communicating with that person. You can block them at any time on Devil Called Love so don't feel you must keep communicating with them. If they ever threaten or harass you, block them immediately and report them to us.
Take Things Slowly:
Spend as much time communicating electronically as is necessary for you to feel comfortable enough to actually meet the person. Don't be coerced into meeting face to face. If someone really wants to meet you, he or she will wait till you're ready.
Google To Find Out More:
These days there is an amazing amount of information on the Internet about people. There is even a good chance if you Google somone's name something will come about about them somewhere. So if you are ever considering meeting up with someone you have meet on DCL and they have given you their real name, Google it. It could be very helpful and informative.
Talking On The Phone:
Let the other person bring up the idea of talking on the phone. When he or she asks for your number and you're not ready to give it out, politely say "no," but ask for a number you can call when you're ready. If you decide to call, pay attention to who answers the phone and the background noises you hear. Do they match what you know about the person?
Your First Meeting:
Tell someone your plans. As soon as you have concrete plans, tell your best friend or a family member exactly where you'll be. If you have a mobile phone, enter some emergency phone numbers and bring it along. Always use caution. Just because you feel like you already know your date doesn't mean that you actually do. Treat this first date just as you would any other first date. Use common sense and good judgment.
Use your own transportation:
Don't rely on your date for transportation. If things aren't going well, it will be easier for you to leave if you have your own way home. If you aren't driving, make sure you have enough cash in your pocket for a cab, bus or train ride home. \Or arrange for a friend to pick you up at a designated time and place.
Meet In A Public Place:
Go to a popular restaurant, cafe, museum, park, or any public place where other people hang out. Double date with a friend if it makes you feel more comfortable. Don't agree to meet anywhere isolated, unfamiliar, or uncomfortable for you.
Have fun but play safe.
