| Online dating usually makes people more cautious | | | | -Is inconsistent with information about their age, |
| about who they choose to date and in this day | | | | marital status, employment etc. |
| and age that can't be a bad thing! | | | | -Avoids answering reasonable questions directly. |
| How many times have you been in a bar/club and | | | | -Contradicts information shown on their profile or |
| given your telephone number to someone you | | | | which they have previously told you. |
| know very little about? | | | | 6. Don't be afraid to flirt a little if that's how you |
| With online dating you can take as long as you | | | | feel but equally don't be too flirtatious as it could |
| want getting to know and trust someone via | | | | be taken the wrong way. Never talk about sex or |
| anonymous messaging. You date at your pace | | | | imply this is what you are looking for. |
| and you never have to reveal any personal details | | | | 7. If someone is making you feel uncomfortable |
| about yourself unless you wish to do so. | | | | stop emailing him or her. Again, most reputable |
| If you you're thinking of joining an online dating | | | | dating sites provide facilities for you to instantly |
| agency or have already joined, be sure to | | | | block messages from a member who becomes a |
| practice safety guidelines. | | | | nuisance. |
| Here are some dating tips to practice online | | | | "Offline" dating |
| followed by some "offline" dating tips should you | | | | 1. If you decide you would like to meet someone |
| decide to meet someone. | | | | "offline" only pass on minimal information to begin |
| Online dating | | | | with. Start with your email address then mobile |
| 1. Do not include any personal information in your | | | | telephone number. Both of these can be changed |
| profile, e.g. your home address, workplace | | | | easily if necessary. |
| address, email address or telephone number. | | | | 2. If you telephone another member use the |
| Reputable dating sites make safety paramount so | | | | blocking feature to prevent your number |
| that their members can be part of a safe online | | | | appearing on Caller ID. |
| dating environment and any personal information | | | | 3. If you arrange to meet someone, always |
| given in your profile will automatically be deleted. | | | | ensure it is in a public place and preferably in |
| 2. Take your time getting to know someone | | | | daylight for the first meeting. Do not arrange any |
| online before revealing any personal information | | | | initial meetings at your home and never invite |
| about yourself and before arranging to meet him | | | | them into your home until you feel ready to do |
| or her. Take advantage of anonymous messaging | | | | so. |
| facilities. | | | | 4. Always let someone else know who you are |
| 3. Don't lie in your profile or fake your photograph. | | | | going to meet, where you are going and what |
| Remember, honesty really is the best policy so if | | | | time you should be back home. |
| you are serious about meeting someone genuine, | | | | 5. Take your mobile phone with you and keep it |
| be yourself. | | | | switched on. |
| 4. It is a good idea to set up a free email account | | | | 6. Don't drink too much and never leave your |
| like Hotmail. This way you do not have use your | | | | drink unattended - keep your wits about you! |
| main personal email address in the event that you | | | | 7. Take enough money for a taxi home and don't |
| no longer wish to have contact with a member. | | | | accept a lift home with your date even if you |
| 5. Be careful if you think a member is lying to | | | | they appear to be great person. |
| you. Beware of someone who:- | | | | Finally, be sensible and trust your instincts - they |
| -Pressurises you to meet instantly. | | | | are usually right! |
| -Pressurises you for your personal contact | | | | Alison Edwards runs a UK based dating sit where |
| information when they won't providepersonal | | | | safety is paramount. |
| information about themselves. | | | | Registration is free. |