by Charisse Van Horn

Created on: June 06, 2008

The most important aspect of online dating is to remember that your safety comes first. No matter how much you are seeking or longing for companionship, you can never let that need cloud your judgment and override the basic rule of online dating- safety first.
By dating safely online, you increase your chances of meeting someone who will turn into a lasting relationship and offer genuine companionship, friendship, and ultimately love.

To practice safety first with online dating you must begin by never revealing personal information about yourself until you are absolutely sure and confident that you are interacting with a trustworthy individual. This begins by choosing a generic email address, screen name, and profile information. Under no circumstance should you ever create a profile that could be traced to your real information. Many people have found themselves in dangerous situations due to making this mistake. Remember the online dating rule of safety first.

When you feel that it is time to meet in person you must always be conscious of your safety. You should never agree to go anywhere that is in a secluded location. Also, never drink alcohol or go to a bar on your date. This is a dangerous activity that can lower your guard and place you in an unsafe environment. Additionally, it may sound paranoid, but you should guard your drink from being tampered with. If you need to leave to use the restroom, finish your drink first and order another one when you return. Most date rapes occur when perpetrators slip drugs into their victim's drinks, so protect your drink from being interfered with.

Choosing to meet in a public place or meeting up with a group of friends is the safest way to meet your online date. Additionally, always let someone know your plans, who you are meeting, and where you are going. Never agree to simply meet someone without constituting a safety plan or back up plan.

Always take your own vehicle or public transportation when meeting your online date. Even if your date has sincere intentions and offers to pick you up, it is safest to provide your own transportation. Relying on your date for transportation makes you vulnerable and leaves you open to a dangerous situation. If you have to, call a cab or take the subway, but avoid traveling with your date until your relationship is on an intimate level based upon trust.

Keeping your personal information private is imperative to protecting your safety. This includes your address. The last thing that you want to encounter is having a bad date that continues to show up at your home unannounced. Don't accept an offer to have your date assist you home, no matter how much of a gentleman he appears to be.

Another important aspect that many people may not consider is that when they take their purse or wallet with them on their date, their personal information is available. If you leave to use the restroom, take your purse or wallet with you. Your date could easily look at your driver's license and find out where you live. Never leave this information unattended to. Keep your information close at hand to ensure that it is protected.

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