How to Keep Safe When Using Online Dating Sites

Using online dating sites can be a great way to meet many people without having to resort to the bar scene. Perhaps you have heard stories from people about how they found their soul mate online. Or maybe you've heard some horror stories about dates with creepy strangers. Dating online is a risk, but if you take a few precautions, you're more likely to have a good, safe experience.

Step 1:
Create a profile that is free of any personal information, such as where you work, your phone number or specific details about where you live. Your city, your first name, some vital information and your interests are plenty of information for an online dating profile.

Step 2:
Be truthful in your profile. Nothing good can come from you fabricating things about yourself, whether it be using someone else's picture, lying about your age or some other falsity. It can also make people angry when they find out you aren't what they expected.

Step 3:
Feel free to ignore people who make you feel uncomfortable. There is no rule in online dating stating that you have to answer everyone who sends you a message. If you get a bad feeling from the message, just delete it. You may also be able to go as far as to block the sender from sending you any more messages, depending on which online dating site you are using.

Step 4:
Arrange to meet at a safe, public place when you decide to meet someone for the first time. Also let a family member or close friend know where you will be and how long you plan to be there.

Step 5:
Trust your gut. If you ever feel uneasy about someone that you are interacting with, or about how a date is progressing, there's probably something wrong. Stop emailing the person, or if you are out with them, end the date and leave. It's much more safe to end it when you feel uneasy than to leave yourself vulnerable.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay away from alcohol when meeting someone for the first time. If he suggests going out for drinks, suggest coffee instead. You don't want to put yourself in a situation to lower your inhibitions.

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