Online Dating Safety

Yes, the world is ours through cyber space and the opportunities are endless. With just a click of a button we can explore each new door and live adven­tures we never dreamed possible. Unfortunately, we must face the reality that our travels will not come without risks, negatives and consequences. People will not always live up to our hopes and expectations or be everything they portray themselves to be. We have to remain vigilant and aware of the pos­sibilities. Adhering to a few basic rules and helpful hints will provide a greater opportunity for safe and pleasant experiences.

Below is a list of the basic rules and precautions. This is not a complete list­ing, as the possible negatives will always equal the list of positive opportuni­ties. We must learn to pay close attention to warning signs and hone our in­tuitive skills to compliment the obvious standards. 

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Don’t give out your personal information online (address, phone, place of employment, names of relatives, etc.) until you are sure it is safe.

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It is imperative to be aware of age and sex when communicating on­line. Verify. Use web cam or ask for pictures. More than one picture is a good idea.

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Interview well and ask the right questions before meeting in person.

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Use a step process for your online dating experiences. Take your time.

Step 1-IM or email chat

Step 2-phone conversation

Step 3-meet in public place

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If you are involved in any form of alternative lifestyle (BDSM, gay, lesbian, etc), know your perspective partner well before meeting and engaging in any activities.

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When meeting in person for the first time, park in lighted areas, close to a building or other well-populated areas.

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Never leave a public place to be alone with someone you just met.

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Have a safety net in place for the first meetings alone. Give a friend or family member the infor­mation of where you will be and whom you will be with. Have them call you at a certain time and have a code word in place to alert them that you are in trouble.

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Be cautious about leaving your drink or food unattended on a first meeting.

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Watch mannerisms and body language for signs of potential problems before being alone.

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Safety rules apply to men as well as women. Men too are vulnerable and at risk.

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Use caution to prevent health risks. Use proper protection to avoid the risks of disease.

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Sexual experiences should adhere to the rules of safe, sane, consensual practices.

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Be careful about sharing intimate photos online. Even cam sharing can offer still pictures for someone to share with others.

 Online Dating Red Flags, Helpful Hints and Warnings

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Ask open-ended questions to provoke open conversation. You should be able to tell after 5 minutes of conversation if it’s worth continuing to talk.

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Let people talk-listen to pick up red flag comments or statements.

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Be careful of anyone who is too opinionated or quick tempered.

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Be leery of anyone who appears to be over zealous to meet and gets angry easily if you refuse.

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Be leery of braggers, it usually means they have little to brag about and might hurt you trying to prove how wonderful they are.

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Don’t let lust dictate rational thinking  -- be alert and aware of your situation.

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Learn to be aware of aura vibes. Read the signs, heed warnings. Learn to use your 6th sense and intuition.

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There is not a hidden prince in every frog. It is easy for people to misrepresent themselves online. Verify! Test all of the claims made and verify facts.

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Be aware of those who hesitate to move forward from online chat to in-person meetings. Some are content to maintain their relationships online.

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Unfortunately, there are those who will try and use you as a means to an end. Some are desperately seeking to escape their harsh realities and will use deceitful means to elicit your help. Use caution with foreign correspondence and requests for money.