.::. Safety Tips for Online Dating .::.

Safety Tips for Online Dating

1. Show Patience
   You may be anxious to start a new relationship but that doesn't mean you should rush into meetings with strangers. Take the time to make sure you're ready to move from the online world to an offline encounter.

2. Talk on the Phone
   There's no need to jump from online chats to a face-to-face meeting. Use the phone as an additional checkpoint. You can tell a lot about people by their mannerisms on the phone. If your gut says something is amiss, call-off the get-together.

3. Ask for a Photo
   While some people may go so far as to send a fake photo, in most cases you'll get the real deal. If something creeps you out about the face, leave it at that and move on to the next potential mate.

4. Choose a Safe Place
   If you decide to meet face-to-face, be sure to pick a safe location, full of people, and familiar to you. Most predators will avoid taking action in broad daylight, surrounded by people.

5. Use Common Sense
   It may sound obvious, but if you feel something is not right, listen to your gut and get out of the situation. Use your common sense to make good decisions and you'll lean toward meeting the right people.Following these five tips will let you maximize your enjoyment of online sites while also minimizing your chances of a mishap.