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6
Great Online Dating Safety Tips
by : Andy Thompson
Online
personals and dating is a great way to meet that special someone,
however it is important to approach
it with safety as your first priority. While most online services
are very secure and do a good job at helping ensure your privacy
and confidentiality, you are ultimately responsible for your
own safety.
Most services
do not pre-screen their users, therefore they cannot assume
any responsibility for the people you meet through
their sites. This officially grants you the title of screener,
a responsibility which you must take very seriously. After all,
if you are comfortable and feel secure online, you will have
much more fun with online dating!
Here are a few good security tips:
1- Never reveal your last name or address to a stranger. If
telephone numbers are exchanged, try to use a cell phone with
a private number. If you call a stranger at home, always use
caller ID blocking to maintain your privacy.
2- Do not use your primary EMAIL address for online dating correspondence
- create an anonymous Email account (such as a Hotmail account)
to correspond with potential dates.
3- If you decide to meet that special someone, always meet in
a public place - NEVER meet in private for your first date! Always
let someone know where you are going.
4- Be honest
about who you are and what you are seeking - do not reveal
more than you normally would in a face to face first
meeting. If your online contact attempts to pressure you into
revealing more than you are comfortable with, re-evaluate his/her
intentions.
5- Always review the security and confidentiality policy of
the online dating service you are using. Many of the better known
online dating sites have very good privacy policies. A comprehensive
listing of major online dating sites is available at http://www.cosmodating.com
6- Don't
rush into a face to face meeting - take your time, chat up
a storm and get to know each other. Is the person on
the other end being honest, or do you get the feeling they are
just saying what you want to hear. You are the sole judge and
jury in this love trial - use your best judgment!
In conclusion, safety
should be your #1 priority as you venture into the world of
online dating. Go slow, take your time to and
get to know you potential dates. Like the song says, "Only
fools rush in" - taking your time will only increase your
chances of meeting that special someone and at the same time
help weed out the bad seeds!
About the Author
Andy Thompson is owner and operator of http://www.cosmodating.com -
he can be reached at the following address: admin@cosmodating.com
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