Cyberspace is now the new hangout when it comes to finding romance or just hooking up . As a result, many individuals have begun relationships online with people they have not met and know little about.
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. Here are some tips for playing it safe:
If it looks like it's too good to be true, then it is!.
Take advantage of email or chat or facebook to get a feel first. Be vigilant in noticing abnormal behavior or inconsistencies. If you notice evasive signs, your radar should flag it. Although online, try to 'listen' to his or her words. The individual at the other end may not be who or what he/she says. Trust your gut feel. If you are not comfortable at the start, the best thing is to walk right away.
Find out as much information as you can.
Learn to ask many questions. 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 individual really is. If you notice uncertainty in giving personal info, then that is a red flag. 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.
Honesty is the key to success.
Represent yourself accurately. Exaggerating or deceiving is easy on the web. Areas to be particularly careful about are marital status and physical appearance. You can start by exchanging pics. If someone is unwilling to send a current photo, this is warning sign. If you don't get that picture after making several 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.
A phone call can tell a lot about a person's communication and social skills. It's worth it to call since you can continue to get a more complete profile. But do not give out your phone number to a stranger. Trust takes time to develop. Give them your phone number only when you gain that feeling of comfort.
No need to rush.
Setting up a date after just meeting someone 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 make a decision to meet for a date, proceed with caution and arrange the meeting on your terms. The following is a guide to make sure that you have a safe encounter:
1. Always tell someone where you are going with your date and when you will return. Leave your date's full name and telephone numbers with that person and write it down. For a small fee, you can leave information regarding where you are going and all the pertinent details with a service called SmartDate at smartdate-dot-com. If your first date wants to keep things confidential, then, big red flag! Time to walk away. Protect yourself!
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. For obvious reasons, letting a stranger know where you live is not to your best interest. 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. Do not bring your date back to your house after the first meeting. You do not know this person. Let your common sense rule.
Be smart and be safe. Take control of your future. Always think ahead before you invest your time and emotion on this exercise. As in both your professional and personal life, information is the key!
Author Resource:
Allans works in technology at an investment banking firm. To make some money on the side, he has gotten into IM, setting up a varied collection of sites such as providing info on how to have an affair to other adult dating web sites.
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