Cyberspace is now the new hangout when it comes to finding romance or just hooking up . Because of this, relationships are started with people who are virtual strangers.
As the web expands into human relationships and dating, it is in your best interest to exercise caution. Common sense can go a long way to keep you safe. Follow these guidelines and you are off to a good start:
All that glitters is not necessarily gold.
Begin by first communicating solely by email or online chat. Watch out for weird behavior or inconsistent pattern as you communicate online. If someone is evasive, this is a red flag. "Listen" to your correspondent's words. Always remember that the other party might not be what they say they are. Go with your instincts. If it does not feel right at the beginning, walk away.
Information on the person is key.
Be as inquisitive as you can. Find out where he grew up, where she works, and how he is connected to his community. These are clues to finding out who this person really is. Be suspicious, if someone is unwilling to reveal any personal identifying information. Try to look for discrepancies as they tell you their life story. If your correspondent is unwilling to answer your questions, this is another red flag. Continue with a great deal of caution.
It is best to be honest from the get go.
You should describe yourself as accurately as you can. Exaggerating or deceiving is easy on the web. Be honest about the basic things such as marital status and how you look. Start with a request for a picture and send them a recent one of you. If someone is unwilling to send a recent photo, this is warning sign. If you don't get that picture after making a number of requests, then it's yet another red flag. Having a scanned photo is easily available, so there is no valid excuse for not doing it. After you have exchanged photos, continue to fill in the gaps, so that the other person does not create you in their image. Keep it honest.
Take it to the next level by talking on the phone.
Talking reveals valuable information about a person's character and quirks. It is worth the cost of the call to protect your security. Try to be stingy on giving out your phone to anybody you are not comfortable with. Trust takes time to develop. Only when you feel completely comfortable should you give your phone number.
Take your time, take your time.
Setting up a date after just meeting anyone online is both stupid and dangerous. You have to follow the investigation process before you do a face to face. If you feel you are being pressured, then it's another red flag. Remember that if your gut instinct is not right, do not hesitate to walk away and move on to the next candidate.
If you decide to meet for a date, proceed with caution and arrange the meeting on your terms. Try to follow these tips to ensure your safety:
1. Make sure a friend or anyone close to you knows where you are going and when you will be back from this first date. Leave your date's full name and telephone numbers with that person and write it down. There are also websites these days, like smartdatedotcom, where you can register dating information such as these, for a small fee. If your first date wants to keep things confidential, then, big red flag! Time to walk away. Your safety above all else!
2. Always meet in a public place that you are familiar with on your first date. It must be where there are other folks and preferably well lit. Getting together for coffee is a pleasant, casual way to get to know someone.
3. Very important - Do not let him pick you up where your live. Giving your address out to a stranger is not safe. Try to have your own transportation, so if it does not work, your exit strategy is simpler.
4. On this first date, reconcile what your date told you online to see if he was honest to begin with. If you find out that your date has lied about anything, this is another red flag.
5. For the same reason you do not want to be picked up at home on the first date, do not let him drop you off. You do not know this person. Use the same kind of common sense and rules that you would use in any type of dating relationship.
Be smart and be safe. Take control of your future. Know what you are getting into before you invest your heart, money, or your life. Information about the other person is the key!
Author Resource:-
James is a retiree who used to work in technology at an investment banking firm. In an effort to save his sanity and to avoid turning into a raving alcoholic, while at the same time make some pocket money on the side, he has gotten into IM, setting up an eclectic collection of sites, such as providing info on how to have an affair to other adult dating web sites.
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