The new year is approaching and the chances of meeting some new people are high. Here are some New Year's tips to assist your online dating experience so that they are safe.
Steps
Step 1. Avoid providing your personal contact details on your profile
Providing your home details, i.e. phone number and address, on your profile is an easy way for someone to find out where you live or work. So, in the early stages of online dating, keep personal information to yourself. Once you get to know the person better, you can determine how much information they need to provide. Remember that even by communicating your name and surname you can be tracked on social sites. Then, try to create a "nickname" or a nickname that can be used on online dating sites. Regarding telephone communications, see advice 4.
Step 2. Trust your instincts
Sometimes you know when something is wrong! It is always important to use common sense, because your gut is a powerful dating tool and allows you to gauge when to build a relationship or turn around and run away. As soon as you start reading personal profiles, respond to emails or talk on the phone, your instincts will help you figure out if something is wrong or not. If you have any doubts, attention is a must: back off, or proceed with caution!
Step 3. Use free email account
Should you decide to switch from the anonymous email address provided by most online dating services, such as [email protected], to a real email address, choose one that is not the usual one. Sign up for a free Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo! Account, to be used only for online dating. Don't put your full name in the "from" field, just your first name or "nickname". This will protect you from someone trying to get your personal email address to find out more about you on social sites.
Step 4. Use an anonymous phone service to chat via your mobile
When it's time to take your communication to the next level (talking on the phone), never give out your home or work phone number. Give a mobile phone number, use Skype to communicate, or use an anonymous phone service like Paginglist.com. It's just an additional barrier of protection, until you get to know the person better.
Step 5. Look for questionable features
As soon as you chat on the phone or via e-mail, you may be able to begin to grasp the characteristics of the other person. Does he seem short-tempered? Do you tend to check? Avoid some of your questions? Ask when she had her last relationship and how long it lasted. If you ask a series of questions, you can tell if he's the right person or if it's time to quit. But try not to get too personal right away if you don't want to scare or discourage her!
Step 6. Ask for a recent photo
If your contact doesn't have a photo on their profile, request a recent one. It is important for you to take a good look at the person you may possibly meet. Additionally, your instincts can provide you with valuable information about the person based on your dialogues and photos. If a person tells lies about their photo or profile, this is a red light not to fuel the relationship.
Step 7. Use paid online dating services
Free online dating services represent a greater opportunity for potentially dangerous individuals. They must never provide a credit card or other information that can help identify them. There is certainly some truth to this in the proverb "You get what you pay for". Use recommendations on safe online dating sites on Facebook or Twitter. Alternatively, look for online sites recommended by reputable online dating magazines.
Step 8. When you meet the person for the first time, make sure the appointment is in a public place
When it's time to meet, plan a public place and go with your own transport. Never accept that they will pick you up at home on a first date. Make sure you tell someone, such as a friend, where you are going. The first meeting will tell you a lot about the other person. Think about what questions to ask the other person during the meeting!
