Online Dating - Play It Safe
Meeting an online love interest in person for the first time is an exciting prospect, but safety should be of the utmost concern when planning a rendezvous.
The Wichita Eagle asked several local couples and singles who have dated online for their tips on how to safely navigate a first date.
1. Be honest. Any relationship based on a lie is bound to turn out badly. The truth will have to come out eventually, which will lead to a very awkward situation.
2. Watch out for fake profiles. Some online profiles are staged by companies looking to gain access to your e-mail address and other personal information.
A good indicator that someone may be misleading you is if they are eager to find out your personal information right away. Their photo also might look like a posed image of a model.
3. Share when you’re ready. Take your time when it comes to giving out your phone number. It might even be a good idea to set up a date by e-mail, then share your number and other information if the date goes well.
5. Go with your gut. If something doesn’t seem quite right, or if you’ve got a bad feeling about someone, chances are you should steer clear.
6. Tell a friend. When you’re meeting someone in person for the first time, let a friend know where and when you’ll be meeting as a precaution, and make sure they’ll be available if you need to get in touch with them.
7. Meet in a public place. It might not be a good idea to invite someone to your home, or to a place where there won’t be other people around. Consider making plans to meet at a restaurant or some other busy locale.
(info from The Wichita Eagle)