1. Start slow.
Begin by communicating solely via email. "Listen" to your correspondent's
words. Be on the lookout for odd behavior or inconsistencies. The person at
the other end may not be who or what he/she says. Trust your instincts. If
anything makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your own safety and
protection. Conduct yourself and your romances in a responsible manner.
Don't fall in love at the click of a mouse.
2. Guard your anonymity.
When corresponding with a prospective mate, make sure you don't include
identifying information. Never include your last name, real email address,
home address, phone number, place of work or any other identifying
information in your profile or initial emails. Stop communicating with
anyone who pressures you for this information or attempts in any way to
trick you into revealing it. Take all the time you need to become
comfortable with someone before revealing any personal contact information.
3. Request a photo.
A photo will give you a good idea of the person's appearance, which may
prove helpful in achieving a gut feeling about your correspondent. In fact,
it's best to view several images of this person in a variety of settings:
casual, formal, indoor and outdoors. If he or she continuously comes up with
an excuse, it may be because that person has something to hide.
4. Talk via telephone.
A phone call can reveal much about a person's communication and social
skills. It is worth the cost of the call to protect your security, but do
not give out your personal phone number to a stranger. Try a cell phone
number instead. Only when you feel completely comfortable should you furnish
your phone number.
5. Meet when YOU are ready.
The beauty of meeting and relating online is that you can gradually collect
information and then make a choice about pursuing the relationship in the
offline world. You are never obligated to meet anyone, regardless of your
level of online intimacy. And even if you do decide to arrange a meeting,
you always have the right to change your mind. It's possible that your
decision to keep the relationship at the anonymous level is based on a hunch
that you can't logically explain. When you're not sure, go with your gut
instincts.
6. Select the safest possible environment.
When you make the choice to meet offline, always tell someone where you are
going and when you will return. Leave your date's name and telephone number
with that person. Never arrange for your date to pick you up at home.
Provide your own transportation, meet in a public place at a time when many
people are present, and when the date is over, leave on your own as well. A
familiar restaurant or coffee shop, at a time when a lot of other people
will be present, is often a fine choice. If you decide to move to another
location, take your own car. When the timing is appropriate, thank your date
for getting together and say goodbye.
7. Take extra caution outside your area.
If you are flying in from another area, arrange for your own car and a hotel
room. Do not disclose the name of your hotel and never allow your date to
make the arrangements for you. Call your date from the hotel or meet at the
location you have already agreed to. If the location seems inappropriate or
unsafe, go back to your hotel. Try to contact your date at that location or
leave a message on a home machine. Always make sure a friend or family
member knows your plans and has your contact information. And if possible,
carry a cell phone at all times.
8. Watch for red flags.
Pay attention to any displays of anger, intense frustration or attempts at
pressuring or controlling you. Acting in a passive-aggressive manner, making
demeaning or disrespectful comments or any physically inappropriate behavior
are all red flags. You should also be concerned if your date exhibits any of
the following conduct without providing an acceptable explanation:
* Provides inconsistent information about age,
interests, appearance, marital status, profession, employment, etc.
* Refuses to speak to you on the phone after
establishing ongoing, online intimacy.
* Fails to provide direct answers to direct
questions.
* Appears in person to be significantly
different from his or her online persona.
* Never introduces you to friends, professional
associates or family members.
We review the best online dating services available.
Browse through the listings below and click on any online dating service
link for a review and more information on that dating service.
Yahoo Personals
- Yahoo Personals is one of the most popular online dating services. With
Yahoo Personals there are many members of all ages, making it a great way to
meet your match.
PalTallk -
Paltalk is the #1 largest voice and video chat service. Claim your free
trial of Paltalk x-Treme for video messaging and chat. Whether you are simply ready to move beyond
online dating mismatches, recently divorced or a senior single looking for a
partner, Paltalk can help you find love for all the right reasons.
So, if you are ready for a relationship, then you are ready for
Paltalk.
eHarmony.com
- As the Internet's premier relationship website, eHarmony continues to help
singles find love and life-long relationships through a patented
compatibility-based matching. So, if you are seeking love and deep levels of
compatibility, then this is the matchmaking site for you. Millions of
singles have found each other through eHarmony and you can too.
Friend Finder
- This leading online dating service has millions of active members and
caters to all kinds of people, interests, and desires. Check out
FriendFinder.com for dating, pen pals, or meeting new friends.
Mingles.com - Mingles.com is a FREE
friendship, dating, and chat community where you can meet new people, make
friends, find a new love, or just have fun!
American
Black Singles - BlackSingles.com is one of our most visited
and highest converting personals sites. This site is dedicated to bringing
black singles together in a safe, clean, fun environment. This comfortable
online community is the premier destination for black singles online.
Dating Direct
- Chemistry.com is a new and exciting matchmaking website that is dedicated
to you and the kind of relationships that you deserve. As the first
relationship site to match singles based on elements of both compatibility
and chemistry, Chemistry.com offers singles an excitingly fresh approach to
love.
Date.com - At
Date.com you will find a community with millions of beautiful singles. Try
Date.com and meet other singles just like you.
True.com -
Lavalife can help you in dating, relationships and intimate encounters. The
Lavalife dating site is one of the most popular online personals services
and a great place to find your love.
Match Maker
- Matchmaker.com is a very addictive and engaging online dating site, with
the most in-depth personals profiles on the web. It just may be the most
rewarding experience you'll have online.
MetroDate -
If you are interested in meeting and dating other amazing singles, then
don't miss out on the opportunities that are waiting for you at Metrodate.
Meeting exhilarating singles does not have to be costly, just worthwhile and
rewarding.
PlanetOut
- PlanetOut fast easy access to hundreds of thousands of gays and
lesbians looking for dating, romance, and love. With over 375,000 singles
you will enjoy hours of searching for Mr. or Ms. Right, exchanging photos,
one-on-one messaging with other people around the world and excellent
customer service.
JDate - Jewish
dating has never been easier with Jdate.com. Post your free profile today
and experience the phenomena that have already infected JDate's half a
million plus members. Both you and your parents will be happy that you did.
Cupid Junction
- Cupid Junction is synonymous with romance, fun dates, and intimate
encounters. Yes, you can try your hand at any or all three types of
relationships at Cupid Junction. What are you waiting for? Somebody is
waiting to meet you!
DreamDates.com
- DreamDates.com makes online dating fun and effective. Try this online
dating service if you are serious about finding your dream mate.
Good Luck!!!
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