plenty of fish - online dating

Online Dating - 5 Essential Safety Tips

So, you've decided to take the plunge and follow in the footsteps of countless other singles who know that online dating is a successful route to meeting new friends and finding the perfect partner. But, what do you do when you find someone you like?

Initially, you'll want to keep all communication by email and get to know a little more about the other person. Email also gives you time to think about what you want to say whilst allowing you the distance and privacy to keep things from moving too quickly. And just like your daily post, you'll be surprised how much you will look forward to checking your inbox to see if you have new mail!

Once an email friendship has been established you may feel comfortable enough to talk over the telephone. Take your time over giving out your telephone number though, if you decide that you don't want to pursue the friendship you can't take your number back.

Ok. Let's assume that you've emailed and chatted on the telephone. You've decided that you really like this person and would love to meet up. Stop right there! Before you get carried away with the excitement that the prospect of new love brings, read these important safety tips prior to taking the final step of meeting that great new date:

Always tell a friend where and when you are meeting.

Don't give out personal information unless you feel confident to do so, especially your home address.

Never give out personal financial details. Never give or send out money to someone you've just met.

If travelling to meet, make your own arrangements for overnight accommodation and don't give out the name or address of your hotel.

Follow your instincts. If you feel unsafe of unsure of your situation, never be embarrassed or afraid to make your excuses and leave.

On the whole, just like in everyday life, most people you meet via the Internet will be genuine but it is important to be aware that some may not. Just following a few basic rules will ensure your safety. You might even want to arrange to 'check in' with a friend to let them know how the date is going – if your friends are as nosey as mine this will be the first thing they ask you to do!

Finally, relax and enjoy yourself. You never know, it could be the start of something beautiful.

Claire Gaskin is a social researcher and co-founder of two successful online dating sites: http://www.music-mate.com and http://www.fetish-mate.com

MORE ARTICLES:

Dating Advice: Should You Play With Madness?
I have a friend with a big problem, a guy who needs good dating advice badly. All the women he dates are dysfunctional, and he can't figure out why.

Affordability for Singles and Exposure for Local Businesses; Chicago Area Businesses Take Advantage of Event-Centered Dating Scene.
Local Chicago area businesses find new customer base as companies like Intro2? introduce them to local singles.

Cubs Fans as Metaphor for Chicago Dating
Cubs fans, known throughout the baseball world, and the country in general, as the most die-hard, loyal, and dedicated fans in the sport. Wrigley Field regularly packs the stadium with fans... fans who are sure that this year things will be different. This year they'll make it to the World Series.

Dating, Romance, Love and Marriage: How to Meet the Right Man
When meeting the right man seems to be a problem, then you might not be doing enough about it. But the last thing you want is to become another lowly and desperate someone who wishes that she will get noticed or perhaps, get married fast. Nonetheless you can still increase your chances of meeting your Mr. Right at the same time, not acting as if you are waiting or searching for him desperately all your life. Here are some tips:

Speed Dating 2.0 - Bringing Real Time Match Making To Social Networking
Randomate.com launches exclusive speed dating tools, helping its members quickly find matches and make new friends online.

Free Dating Site in Ohio Announces Free Computer Giveaway to Celebrate Launch
To help celebrate our launch, we are giving away a free Dell Vostro laptop computer to one lucky member. Contest rules and event details can be found on our website -- www.newloveohio.com

Looking To Join A Dating Site?
Searching the web for a dating or personals site can leave one very confused. There are millions of dating sites listed on the Internet.

Creating Your Online Dating Profile
Are you considering the possibility of using an Online Dating Site to find the Date or Love of your dreams? Yes? Well, did you know that the most important part of finding your special someone through online dating is your profile. As explained in my book "the Ultimate Online Dating Handbook" even if you plan on being proactive in your search, you will still need a stellar profile.

Highlife Adventures - New Dating Trend
There's a new new dating trend that is in stark contrast to the bar scene of the 1980s, the one-on-one matching services of the 1990s, and the speed dating phenomena that peaked a few years ago. "Not all singles like to hang out in bars, many don't care for the pressure of sequential one-on-one dates, and most people find that speed dating is too superficial," says Mary Vallone, President of Highlife Adventures (www.highlifeadventures.com), an upscale social club for singles in Chicago and Indianapolis. And, while online dating may appeal to some in the college crowd, many of the 25- to 45-year-olds members have "been there, done that." According to Vallone, "Meeting people onl...

Free Online Dating Service - Quick Fix Solution To Your Dating Woes And Its Free
Every month, more than 20 million people across all ages and countries register at free online dating service The reason is obvious

Online Dating Tips for the Digital Age of Romance
We are romantic creatures. We are social creatures.

9 Stupid Mistakes to Avoid While Dating Online ? For Guys
Internet online dating takes patience and practice. Just because you are seated at your own computer doesn't mean that people will come to chat with you for no reason. Even in this medium of Internet dating, you must take the initiative and actively seek to contact those you like.

Dating Expert Reveals the Six Secrets to Internet Dating Success For Dog Lovers
One of America's top dating coaches, Tonja Weimer, reveals the six secrets to Internet dating success for dog lovers on the leading dating site for dog lovers -- www.doglover.biz.

Cease Expenses And Frustrations Dating Online With Ease
Though both online dating and traditional dating aims finding love for the isolated hearts ultimately ending up into a relationship but still there is a vast difference in the process. If you find out the reason why more and more people resorting to online dating to find their potential partners you will automatically come to know the downsides of traditional dating. Obviously there are some substantial aspects of Internet dating that proves to be advantageous over traditional dating.