The Web has turn out to be the hot new place for smart, eligible people to find romance, and those searching for love are swarming into cyberspace. Because of this, relationships are started with people who are virtual strangers.
With so many people communicating via the Web and deciding to go out with virtual strangers, it is important to be safe and be smart. Use your common sense. Check out these basic tips to ensure you are safe:
All that glitters is not necessarily gold.
Start by first communicating solely by electronic mail or online chat. Be on your guard in noticing strange behavior or inconsistencies. If you notice evasive signs, your radar should flag it. "Pay attention" to your correspondent's words. Always remember that the other party might not be what they say they are. Go with your instincts. If anything makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your own safety and protection.
Do the CIA check and get as much info as you can.
Be as inquisitive as you can. Do a check list on your side to get basic info on things like where he works or where he grew up. 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. Probe any discrepancies in their stories. As you ask your questions, if you see that there is hesitancy in getting the answers, be cautious. At all times err on the side of safety.
It is best to be honest from the get go.
You should describe yourself as accurately as you can. Exaggerating or deceiving is easy on the web. Areas to be particularly watchful 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 a number of requests, then it's yet another red flag. In today's digital age, coming up with a picture is a no brainer. When you have each other's pics, continue to get more info so that both side will have an accurate total picture. Keep it honest.
Talk on the telephone and continue to learn more about your correspondent.
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 anyone you are not comfortable with. Take your time to see if a trusting bond is there. Only when you feel completely comfortable should you furnish your phone number.
Don't rush into anything.
Setting up a date after just meeting someone online is both stupid and dangerous. Take time to find out who this person really is. If someone is pressuring you to get together before you are ready, this is another warning sign. If anything feels strange as you get to know this person, then it is time to back away and look for another match.
If there are no red flags and you decide to meet, just proceed with care and dictate the terms of the first meeting. Try to follow these guidelines to ensure your safety:
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 date wants you to keep it secret, this is a very big red flag. Your safety above all else!
2. Keep the location of the first date in a public place. It must be where there are other folks and preferably well lit. Go out for coffee, make it casual, it's a good and safe way to test the waters.
3. Never allow yourself to be picked up from your house. Giving your address out to a stranger is not safe. Try to have your own transportation, so if it does not work, your exit strategy is simpler.
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. Do not bring your date back to your house after the first meeting. You do not know this person. Use the same kind of common sense and rules that you would use in any type of dating relationship.
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:-
James is a retiree who used to work in technology at an investment banking firm. In an effort to save his sanity and to avoid turning into a raving alcoholic, while at the same time make some pocket money on the side, he has gotten into IM, setting up an eclectic collection of sites, such as providing info on how to have an affair to other adult dating web sites.
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