At one time dating sites used to be regarded with suspicion and even ridicule. However things are changing fast. It has become almost common practice for singles to check out dating possibilities online.
The previous generations seldom had trouble in finding their soul mates within their communities, towns and even cities. But those were the days when people, and especially families, remained fairly static in the same area. Today people are on the move.
It is just an indicator of the times we live in. The global village means that hundreds of people live in, frequently visit, and even commute all over the country or to different countries, as their jobs require.
The internet and powerful new technology enable people to live in remote places and still keep in close contact with their business dealings. Many people work from home and don't mix with the 'office staff' the way they used to before.
The cool people you meet at a bar or night club this week may be at the other side of the town, city, country, or even the world next week. What a pity, you might have found that special person among them!
In these circumstances, online dating sites are really inevitable. There are huge advantages and some disadvantages to this. You can meet people right in the area where you live or people many thousands of miles away.
In the privacy of your own home you can meet people. Most sites expect you to provide a profile and pictures of yourself. You normally have a wide choice of 'friends' that you can gradually narrow down as you get to know them, just the way you would in real life.
Probably one of the biggest advantages to these tentative meetings is that there is seldom embarrassment for you if you happen to be a shy or introverted person; or if you have been badly hurt by a past relationship gone bad. You can direct the conversations as you feel comfortable. You can also get to know the person at an unusually emotionally intimate level before you arrange to actually meet and move to a more physical level.
The biggest disadvantages are connected with the possibility of getting involved with a pervert or abuser who may cause you harm. Never respond to requests for money, no matter how convincing. There is a lot of negative publicity about these things at the moment. However, bad things can happen to anyone meeting a stranger and going out on a date for the first time.
You need to take sensible safety measures, especially if you are a woman and even more so if you are a young girl, but some simple precautions can help protect you until you get to know more about a stranger. Here are a few suggestions that may make you feel more secure when you meet your date for the first time.
Make sure family or friends know where you are going and who you are meeting.
Give them an idea what time to expect you back, or to call them when you are back.
Meet in a public place.
Take great care what you eat and drink. Drink very moderately.
Keep your mobile/cellphone with you at all times.
Try and arrange your own transport, at least on the first date.
After your first date, if it went well and you plan to continue seeing each other, then as soon as reasonably possible, make your date known to friends or family. Although you don't necessarily have to accept their approval, take careful note of what your friends or family think of your date. Sometimes the objective view can be valuable.
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