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. Use your common sense. As in anything in life, you will need basic guidelines such as these:
If it looks like it's too good to be true, then it is!.
Take advantage of electronic mail or chat or facebook to get a feel first. Be vigilant in noticing peculiar behavior or inconsistencies. If someone is evasive, this is a red flag. 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 instincts. If it does not feel right at the beginning, walk away.
Information on the person is key.
Learn to ask many questions. Do a check list on your side to get basic info on stuff like where he works or where he grew up. You will be like Columbo trying to find out a person's profile. Be suspicious, if someone is unwilling to disclose any personal identifying information. Probe any discrepancies in their stories. As you ask your questions, if you see that there is hesitancy in getting the answers, be cautious. 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 online. Be honest about the basic things such as marital status and how you look. Begin with a request for a picture and send them a recent one of you. If the other side does not want to send a picture, it's not a red flag but a 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. Honesty is the best policy as your grandma always say.
Take it to the next level by talking on the phone.
Talking reveals valuable information about a person's character and quirks. It's worth it to call since you can continue to get a more complete profile. Try to be stingy on giving out your phone to anybody you are not comfortable with. Trust takes time to develop. Give them your phone number only when you gain that feeling of comfort.
Don't rush into anything.
Meeting someone online and then arranging a date in a relatively short time can be dangerous. You have to follow the investigation process before you do a face to face. If someone is pressuring you to get together before you are ready, this is another warning sign. If something feels strange as you get to know this person, then it is time to back away and look for another match.
If you decide to meet for a date, proceed with caution and arrange the meeting on your terms. The following is a guide to ensure that you have a safe encounter:
1. Always tell someone where you are going with your date and when you will return. Make sure you give them your date's full name and contact numbers just in case. 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. Stay near other people in a lighted area. Getting together for coffee is a pleasant, casual way to get to know someone.
3. Never allow yourself to be picked up from your house. For obvious reasons, letting a stranger know where you live is not to your best interest. Arrange your own transportation so that you can leave if there is any sign of trouble.
4. Pay attention to everything that this person has told you about him or herself. 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. Remember that you are out with almost a virtual stranger. Let your common sense rule.
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:
Dolores is a student who is also promoting a varied collection of web sites on the side. If you are looking for a place with the best selection and pricing on baby halloween costumes or if you are one of the lucky few with an ipad and is just looking for the ideal ipad case , try visiting her sites.
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