You’ve probably heard the saying, “You never really know someone”. In the online dating scene, you REALLY never know someone! The online social scene, whether it’s a dating site or a simple social site, provides a platform for deception and danger. People create false names and profiles for a variety of reasons. In the world of online dating, with women looking for an intimate connection, the dangers are very real and sometimes difficult to detect. This doesn’t mean that love can’t be found online. It means that caution is warranted to keep women safe.
If you’re already in the world of online dating or if you’re considering it as a way to meet guys, you need to follow these ten rules:
- Assume that at least half of what your date has told you is false or grossly exaggerated, including photos.
- Find out your date’s first and last name before you meet and Google him. Ask to see his driver’s license as proof of who he says he is. Any man who has an issue with this has something to hide. If he thinks you’re weird for asking, he doesn’t respect your need for personal safety. That’s a red flag. End the date and all communication immediately.
- Be conservative about sharing your own personal information. Don’t share too much too soon. If it turns out the guy’s a creeper, the less he knows about you, the safer you are.
- Never discuss details about your schedule, address, family over the phone, in an email or in a text.
- Never share photos of yourself or your children. Absolutely never post or share nude photos of yourself.
- Always meet for the first time at a public place. Do not get into his car with him and don’t have him meet you at your home.
- Always tell a friend where you’re going when you meet a guy for a live date, even if it’s not your first time meeting. If possible, have a friend go to the location where you’re meeting your online date. Have an escape plan in case something goes wrong. Be prepared for the worst case scenario.
- It’s critical that you have some form of self defense at all times on your actual dates. Take a martial arts class or carry pepper spray. Have some way to protect yourself in the case of emergency.
- Don’t leave your pocket book, wallet, phone or keys alone with your date.
- Don’t drink alcoholic beverages excessively on your dates and certainly do NOT leave your drink unattended on the table. There have been an inordinate number of reports of guys spiking their date’s drinks with a date rape drug.
