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Essential Online Dating Knowledge
Trust Your Gut Instinct
Your instinct is a powerful medium for knowing when
something doesn't feel right. It is also a great way to
measure when to move forward with someone and when to
turn and run. As you read profiles, responses to emails,
have phone conversations, and meet in person your
instincts help tell you if something is "right" or if
something is out of alignment. Trust your gut instinct, it's
the most powerful psychological tool you have at your
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Personal Information
Your home phone number and full name provide easy
ways to track who you are and where you live. So in the
initial stages of communication, guard your personal
information.
Use a Free Email Account
Don't put your full name in the From field - only your
first name or something else. This protects you from a
person being able to search your normal email address to
find out more information about you.
Use a Cell Phone
When it's time to move your communication to the next
level (talking on the phone), never give out your home
phone number. Either provide a cell phone number, use
Skype to communicate, or use an anonymous phone
service. It's just an added protection barrier until you get to
know the person better.
Your Own Transportation
Provide your own transportation to your public meeting
place. If you do get in the car with them take a moment to
look at their license plate and text it to a friend.
Ask for Recent Photo
There's nothing wrong in asking someone if their photos
are recent. If they don't have a photo, request a recent one.
It's important for you to get a good look at the person you
may eventually meet. Your instincts from your communi-
cations and their photos may provide you with valuable
insight into the person. Plus, if they tell you the photo is
recent and you meet and see a major difference, then you'll
know the person lied and can cut the date short. If a person
lies about their photo they might lie about other important
things such as their HIV status.
Be Clear Beforehand
Before meeting let the person know what you are
willing/unwilling to do or what you are into. This helps to
establish boundaries.
Meet in a Public Place
Whenever possible arrange to meet in a public place;
perhaps at a café, store, a fast food restaurant or even the
entrance to your building rather than your apartment. Your
initial meeting will tell you a lot about the other person,
including whether or not he/she lied in their profile.
Tell a Friend
Make sure that a friend knows where you are and who
you are with. Text/email them the person’s name, picture,
phone number and whatever other info you have. Arrange
for them to call at a certain time to check in on you.
Stay Alert
Be mindful of alcohol and drugs. Not only do they
severely affect your judgment, but they also lessen your
inhibitions. If you are drinking, keep your drink in sight at
all times and don’t get so drunk that you don’t know what
you are doing. You can have a good time, but keep aware
of what’s going on.